John C. Kowalski

November 20, 1951 — July 7, 2021

Uncle John, U.J., Preacher, Uduge a.k.a. John Charles Kowalski passed away July 7, 2021. He was 69.

John was born November 20, 1951 to Martin and Anne and joined the family as the youngest of four; Kathleen, Mary and Martin (Mike).

Born and raised in St. Ignace John attended LaSalle High School where he played football on the high school team. Anyone who knew him can probably recall a story or two about "the good ol' days" at football practice and the coach that worked them all so hard. John was truly a football aficionado. He was the go-to-guy for stats, facts, game winning predictions and a die-hard Steelers fan. He loved his Sunday football!

John graduated from LaSalle in '69 and attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids for a short period of time. Figuring college was not in his cards he made his way to Detroit and worked at National Set Screw in Plymouth for many years. While living in Detroit he joined the Penetrators Motorcycle Club, was given the handle "Preacher" (for obvious reasons) and ended up being an Honorary Lifetime Member of 50 years. John thought the world of his brothers in the club.

Eventually John moved back up north to Fairview and worked several years at Cooper Tire and then moved to the Cadillac/Meauwataka area, became a cross-country truck driver for several more years before retiring.

John and his Best Buddy Capone moved to Florida for a few years for some fun in the sun and continued with his Sunday football ritual and his Monday do-nothing days. Deciding he needed to "come full circle" John was able to return to Fairview in June of this year.

John truly loved his brothers in the club and his dogs. Also, being outdoors, hunting, riding his motorcycle, mowing the lawn and gardening. He had a very special bond with his nephew Wade, club brother Ken "Godfather" Ryan and longtime friends Johnny and Deb Tripp. He had an uncanny knack for watching and remembering (quoting) scenes from various movies verbatim and always had a good joke about something to brighten the day. Sometimes a bit off but... still good!!

Survivors include John's sister Kathleen Kowalski of Harrietta, MI, brother Mike (Pati) Kowalski of New Port Richey, FL., nephews Judd and Wade Kowalski, Brien Novenske, nieces Nicole and Noelle Novenske, Heather Crosby, Denise Christensen, Aunt Sandy Langdon and several cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Anne (Langdon) Kowalski, sister Mary McKenzie, best friend John Tripp and several club brothers.

He was a proud member of The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

John held an exclusive spot in the people's hearts that knew him well.

Please join in a celebration of John's life on July 17, 2021 2 to 4 p.m. at Boney Park 1386-1398 Maple Dr., Fairview, MI.

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John C. Kowalski

November 20, 1951 — July 7, 2021

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