Albert Joe "Bert" Wassa

     Albert Joe "Bert" Wassa, age 97, of Bannister, MI, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at his home.

     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, with Mr. Thomas J. Bradley officiating.  Burial will take place with military honors at Ford Cemetery, Elba Township, MI.  Visitation will be held 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at the funeral home.

     Bert was born in Bannister, Michigan on June 21, 1924, the son of Joseph and Pauline (Dunay) Wassa.  He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, stationed in the Philippines during WWII.

     On August 25, 1950, Bert married Helen Elizabeth Cords at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, Bannister.  Bert and Helen loved to dance; they had a weekly Saturday night date for years.  They were blessed with 57 years of marriage prior to her passing on October 7, 2007.

     Bert was a lifelong dairy and crop farmer; farming until he was 95 years old.  He was an avid bowler; bowling in the State Tournament with his son for 45 years in a row.  His last tournament was in 2019.  Bert enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He hunted in Ralph, MI from 1949 - 2020.  He was a longtime member of the ZCBJ Lodge #225, Bannister, MI.

     Bert was a friend to all. He touched many lives through his friendship. He was always ready to stop and visit with a neighbor along the road.

     Bert is survived by his son Joe (Mary) Wassa of McMillan, MI; 4 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, a great-great grandson, one brother Stanley (Millie) Wassa, and brother-in-law James McNutt.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen, 2 brothers: James (Mary Jane) Wassa, and Frank Wassa; and sister Mary Jane McNutt

     Memorials may be made to ZCBJ Lodge #225.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.