Robert “Bob” Norman Kowalski
Robert “Bob” Norman Kowalski, 89, of Rogers City passed away peacefully at home April 15, 2025.
He was born in Rogers City to Joseph and Antonia (Szydlowski) Kowalski June 20, 1935.
Bob was a lifelong resident of Rogers City and attended local schools before starting his career on the Great Lakes in 1953, retiring in 1995 from the Great Lakes Fleet as first assistant engineer. On July 14, 1956 he married Elizabeth Schefke at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Bob enjoyed gardening, woodworking, baking, an occasional trip to the casino just about every Sunday and playing cards with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; seven children, Joe (Cheryl) Kowalski of Rogers City, Suzanne Luetzow of Rogers City, Kathryn (Bill) Haire of Freeland, Vicky (Karl) Kowalewsky of Rogers City, Ben (Dana) Kowalski of Grand Rapids, Sharon (Carl) Schleben of Moltke Township and Mary (Steve) Vekaryasz of Rogers City; grandchildren, Tom (Coty) Holt, Heather Oberstadt, Greg (Jenn) Luetzow, Aaron (Robyn) Luetzow, Andrew (Jessica) Luetzow, Justine Haire, Samantha (RJ) Haire, Erika (Kevin) Thompson, Courtney Kowalski, Taylor (Tom) Kowalski, Kevin (Chelsea) Kowalewsky, Scott (Lauren) Kowalewsky, Carl Jr. (Beth) Schleben, Christine Schleben, Cindy Schleben, Jacob (Brooke) Filarski, Marissa (Brian) Hahn and a special granddaughter, Vada Finch; numerous great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Wilbert (Nancy) Kowalski of Alpena and Richard (Rosalynne) Kowalski of Rogers City.
Bob was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth Kowalski; a son, Robert Kowalski; five sisters, Elsie, Lorraine, Eleanor, Emily and Gertrude; and five brothers, Jerome, Julian, Raymond, Joseph Jr. and Elter.
Inurnment will take place at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery at a later date. His family will remember him privately.
Memorials may be given to Hospice of Michigan in memory of Robert Kowalski.
Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home. Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.
