Jozef William Michael Musial, 20

Jozef William Michael Musial, 20, passed away at his home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.  A Vigil Service will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Bonners Ferry Funeral Home in Bonners Ferry with a Mass of Christian Burial held on Friday, March 19, 2010, at 11 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bonners Ferry with private burial in the Grandview Cemetery.

Jozef was born in Whittier, Calif., on March 31, 1989, to Deborah Ann Musial. Debbie called him, “the light of my life,” and that he “changed my life for the better.”

When Jozef was five they moved to Bonners Ferry from Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., to be closer to family. Jozef enrolled in Head Start at the Boundary County Fairgrounds. He went to elementary school at Valley View and then Boundary County Junior High. Jozef then attended Bonners Ferry High School, where he excelled academically and participated in various sports.

Jozef’s senior year in football was culminated by making it to the state tournament.

Jozef’s sports career was highlighted by his wrestling accomplishments. Jozef went to state his sophomore, junior, and senior years, placing all three years. He also went to nationals the summer of his junior year.

The wrestling program became like an extended family, not only for Debbie and Jozef, but for everyone who participates. Jozef also participated in the track program.

Jozef then went on to attend North Idaho College and then took a break to come home and be closer to his mom and worked at the Kootenai River Inn.

Jozef enjoyed being in the outdoors. He liked to hunt and particularly enjoyed fishing, especially with his Mom and Muffin. He had an extensive extended family in the community and a close group of “the boys” that were as good as brothers and a fiancé, Jennifer, that he loved deeply and was planning a wedding with for the coming year.

Jozef was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Josephine Musial and his uncle William (Billy) Musial. His mother, Deborah Ann Musial, passed soon after him.

Jozef is survived by his Uncle James (Jimmy) Musial and his wife Judy of Naples, Idaho, his Aunt Karen Stegeman of Melbourne, Arkansas, and his fiancé, Jennifer Youngwirth of Bonners Ferry, his cousins, Shannon Johnson, Naples, Idaho, Cole Johnson, Naples, Idaho, Mercedes Musial, Shawn Musial and his daughter, Melissa Musial, their dogs Rufus, Rosie, and Scooter, and his extended family of friends.

Jozef touched the people he met and in turn Jozef was included in and touched by this community that so generously gives of their time and energy to others. He was truly blessed to have so many friends that loved him like family.

Family and friends are invited to sign Jozef’s  book at  HYPERLINK "http://www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com" www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com  Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.