John Michalowski

JOHN J. MICHALOWSKI

John J. Michalowski, 88, of Shabbona, IL, and formerly of Winona, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2017, surrounded by his family.

He was born on November 27, 1928, in Winona, to John H. and Helen (Lorbiecki) Michalowski. He married Charlene “Jane” (Cizak) on July 3, 1954, and they were married 43 years until her death in 1997.

John was passionate about John Deere tractors, coins, old cars and regaling people with stories from his boyhood growing up hunting, fishing, and his years in the Navy.  John was known for his love of wine, and expertise in explaining vintage, type and variety of grape. He could talk to anyone about anything and would launch into an extended explanation of how to fix something including technical schematics. He loved working in his yard, but hated dandelions, which he expunged daily. He will be remembered for his great spirit of adventure, as he was always up for new experiences. He was a long time member of St. James Catholic Church in Lee, IL.

Survivors include his five daughters, Debbie Michalowski , DeKalb, IL; Mary Michalowski, Chicago; Julie Michalowski, Arvada, CO; Ann (Tim) Dieter, Aurora, IL; and Ruth Ann (George) Eng of Chicago; four grandchildren:  Sara (Matt Swallows) Gosney, Lafayette, CO; Alexander, Samantha, and Benjamin “Connor” Eng, all of Chicago; one great grandchild:  Marguerite “Maggie” Swallows, Lafayette, CO; as well as other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife Jane, his parents, and two brothers, Daniel and Marcus.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at St. James Catholic Church in Lee, IL.  Father Bonaventure Okoro will officiate.

Visitation will also be held from 9 AM until a Prayer Service at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 22, 2017, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home in Winona.  The Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hargesheimer will officiate.  John will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, where the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 will provide military honors.

Online condolences or memories may be left for John’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

The Jacobson Funeral Home of Shabbona, IL, and the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home of Winona are assisting the family with arrangements.