Joseph Clayton “Bubba” Violetta, 47, of 14 E. Stephenson Avenue, Gwinn, entered eternal life Friday evening, April 15, 2005, at his home in the comforting care of his family.

Born October 29, 1957 in Ishpeming, a son of Allan Joseph and Betty Joan (Peterson) Violetta, Joe was raised in Gwinn and was a 1976 graduate of the Gwinn High School.  He was employed as a warehouse man with Reinhart Foods.  In his leisure, Joe enjoyed hunting and walking with his canine pals, Ruft and Fannie, who were his best friends and companions.  Joe was also an avid basketball and baseball player, playing on many local teams throughout the years – whoever is catching up in heaven, had better pad their glove.

Survivors include his mother, Betty Violetta, of Gwinn, with whom he made his home; a sister, Lori (Phillip “Bud” DePetro) Violetta of Marquette; a brother, Jay Violetta of Sheboygan, WI; three nieces, Brandi, Kylee, and Sierra Violetta of Sheboygan, WI; four nephews, Jason and Dakota Violetta of Sheboygan, WI, and Kelsey and Derrek McMaster of Skandia; and several aunts and uncles, among them a special uncle, Robert (Nancy) Peterson of Eben.   Joe was preceded in death by his father, Allan Joseph Violetta in 1977; and by a sister, Kelly Kay Violetta in 1964.

Friends may call at the Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn on Tuesday, April 19, beginning at 4:00 pm.  Funeral services will follow at 6:00 pm Tuesday evening in the church with Rev. Nancy Kauppi, pastor, officiating.  A reception from family and friends will follow in the church fellowship hall. Inurnment will be made in the Forsyth Township Cemetery, Gwinn.

The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.