Andrew Kozlowski

KOZLOWSKI----Andrew J. Kozlowski, aged 92, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2010. His immediate family and extended family (the caregivers of Sanctuary of St. Mary) were with him at the time of his death.

Andrew was a selfless, brilliant, humble man who was concerned about everyone he met. He demonstrated courage, determination, reliability, courtesy, and graciousness. Andrew taught his children to be respectful, tolerant, strong of heart, and responsible. His word was a tangible contract. Andrew was and always will be a hero to his family.

He was a lifelong Grand Rapids area resident (except for his time in the military service and his student years).

His wife (of 55 years) Ollie preceded him in death, as did their siblings, Stephanie Zaremba, Walter (Isabell) Kozlowicz, Steven Gigowski, Jerry (Vlasta) Valchar, Ruby (Frank) Rokyta, and Julius Ermis.

Andrew’s life went in many directions and he lived his life with a great desire to experience it to the fullest. This drive led to the accomplishment of many goals.

As a Grand Rapids boy of 5 years old, his father (Paul Kozlowich) passed away. Later, when his mother Agnes (Mary) Kozlowich married Theodore Gigowski, Andrew worked on their farm.

From then until WWII, Andrew worked at various jobs. After Pearl Harbor, Andy enlisted in the Army Air Corps. His tour of duty was predominately in the South Pacific and during this tour, he was injured. However, while stationed in Aloe Field in Texas, he met Ollie Valchar and on September 16, 1944, they were married.

Upon discharge from the military, the couple returned to Grand Rapids where Andrew worked in the furniture industry. Always striving for improvement, he took the opportunity through the GI Bill to attend Northrup Aeronautical Institute in southern California. When he made the move, he was 33 years old – an age many thought too old for a career change. In fact, many of his fellow students called him “Pops.” Within three years, he had earned a BS degree in what is now called Aerospace Engineering. After graduation, Andrew, Ollie and their young daughter Alice returned to Grand Rapids, where he worked for 30+ years at General Motors - Diesel Equipment Division. It was during this time that they added to their family – daughters Nadine and Lynn.

Being a very social person, Andrew also worked, for many years at Sears and Roebuck, in downtown Grand Rapids selling men’s suits. Retiring at age 68, Andrew and Ollie enjoyed spending time with their children and especially their grandchildren. After Ollie’s death in 2000, he added his neighbors to his list of friends.

Andrew Kozlowski loved his God, his Country, and his Family. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.

He is survived by his children: Alice (Frederic) Pinder, Nadine (Mark) Gorsky and Lynn (Robert) Slagle; Grandchildren: Katheryn and Andrew Pinder, John (Megan Underwood), Amy and Joseph Gorsky, Nathan and Chelsea Slagle. Great Grand-daughter: Olivia Gorsky. Brother: Arthur (Marilyn) Gigowski.

Other surviving family include: Milady Ermis, Johnny (Joyce) Valchar, Alex Zaremba, Wanda Gigowski and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family asks that donations be made to: Sanctuary at St Mary’s, 1050 Four Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544

Cremation has taken place. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of St. Adalbert, Grand Rapids, on Saturday, May 15, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation with the family will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the service starts.