As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Joseph George (Hansen)Waara, age 66, of Baraga, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2026, with his family by his side.
He was born on February 4, 1960, in L’Anse, Michigan, son of (Shakey Joe Hansen) Stanley and Rosalie (Shulstad) Waara. He was a proud member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) and the Eagle Clan. Joseph graduated from Baraga High School in 1978 and went on to attend Ferris State University and Blaine Hairdressing School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Joseph was married to Barbara MacDonald, and together they were blessed with a son, Damien.
Joseph lived in Massachusetts for approximately ten years, where he pursued his passion for cooking as a chef and restaurant owner. He became well known for serving award-winning clam chowder and was a true entrepreneur, business owner, and compassionate caregiver. He also enjoyed cutting hair for family and friends, always willing to lend his talents to those around him. He would help anyone in need asking for nothing in return.
After returning to Baraga in 1991 with his son, Damien, to help care for his grandfather, Herbert Shulstad, Joseph opened the Bear’s Den restaurant at the KBIC casino, where he served what many considered the best seafood buffets in the Upper Peninsula. He later welcomed Mike and Roy into his home and served as their caregiver for many year. Joseph then opened and owned Chippewa Trading Company for many years. He later helped run Karakkos Market, where he created Crazy Joe’s Salsa. He later helped his son, Damien, expand the salsa to 230 stores throughout the Midwest. He was a hard worker, but he played harder.
Joseph embraced life with an adventurous spirit. He loved the outdoors and could often be found water skiing, downhill skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, and canoeing with Jo Jo juice in hand. Everyone had at least one “Crazy Joe” memory. A fearless daredevil at heart, he was always eager for his next adventure and lived life to the fullest. He was the creator of long lasting memories for all that had the pleasure to know him and experience a different side of life.
He is survived by his son, Damien (Megan) Waara of Baraga; his siblings, Dianne Waara of Baraga, Suzanne (Erik) Manos-Conte of Billerica, Massachusetts, John Waara of Naples, Florida, Terri Waara of Hancock, and Beth (Joe) Fish of Baraga, Billy (Carmen) Hansen, Mike Husby, David (Casie) Hansen, Joleen (Sam) Jenkins; his grandchildren, Reese (Nicole), Alayna, Aubrey, Lawson, Vail Waara, Makenna, Nolan, Mya, Sawyer, Skye, and Jonah Henderickson; his great-grandchild, Stenson; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. His extended children Kristen Pitman and Michael Oliver.
In accordance with Joseph’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. A celebration of life will be on August 29th with a location to be announced. If anyone could be kind enough to send any pictures or stories of Crazy Joe to dwaara204@gmail.com that would be greatly appreciated.
The family has entrusted the arrangements to Jacobson Funeral Home. Friends may sign Joseph’s guest book or share a memory at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com
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