Final Salute

After a short bout of cancer, with family by his side, John Petrowski of Petoskey, Michigan was welcomed home by his mom and dad, where they remain eternally at peace with our God. John was born to Raymond and Eleanore (Kirwan), on February 28, 1948.

John was born and raised in Petoskey. He graduated from Petoskey High School in 1967 and joined the Navy. He served in Vietnam as a Navy Seabee. In 1969 John survived Hurricane Camille in Mississippi, which was a vivid memory he had.

In his younger years, John loved to snowmobile and go ice fishing in the winter months, but he also had a great love for spring, summer, and fall. He was known for his natural “green thumb.” Outdoors, tending to his flowers, and keeping his yard in tip-top shape, was his favorite way of spending time. Oh, and feeding the birds — they never went without. The song of the bird brought joy to his soul.

John was always a helper, quietly serving others, while asking for nothing in return. He was a simple, gentle, genuine and humble man. He enjoyed life, people, and hard work.

John worked at Sandwich Grill of Petoskey, Curtis Wire in Petoskey until the closing of the business, and John Hoffman & Sons Landscaping & Nursery Inc. for over 20 years, retiring in 2009.

He will not only be remembered by the love he so freely gave to others, but by the smile that often covered his face, so much so, that even his eyes would carry a twinkle.

John is survived by his siblings, Christopher (Sandy) of Harbor Springs, Anne (the late Clarence) LaCross of East Jordan, Fredrick of Petoskey, Alice (Chuck) Pemberton of Walloon Lake, Laura (Keith) Campbell of Petoskey, as well as cousins, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In honor of John, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Bros Dan’s Food Pantry, two organizations that were close to John’s heart.

Services for John will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on July 11 with a visitation starting at 9:30am and a funeral mass at 10:30am. There will be a luncheon to follow.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Raymond Petrowski, please visit our floral store.