Alvin Francis Jozwiak, 78, of Gaylord, passed away Friday, October 16, 2020 at home surrounded by family.
Alvin was born March 1, 1942. He is the son of the late Walter and Clara (Smolarz) Jozwiak of Gaylord.
Alvin graduated from St. Mary Catholic School in 1960. He enjoyed working on the family farm taking care of the farm animals and working the crops on their 200-acre farm. In 1961, he married Dorothy (Williams) Newkirk. They had 3 children: Walter, Joseph, and Teresa.
In 1975, he met Joan Fisher and they were happily married for 45 years.
Al, in his younger years, worked as a butcher for Dowker’s, and he was also a drummer in his own Polish band called the Gaylord Polka Kings. The band made 2 recordings. He also played in another polish band until later in life. Al was also busy delivering propane in Gaylord and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. He also enjoyed making bird houses and many other wood projects. But what he enjoyed most was visiting with his children and grandchildren, and his friends, and neighbors.
Alvin is survived by his children; Teresa McCormick of Deford, Joseph (Patricia) Jozwiak of Highland, Walter (Sandra) of Wyoming. Stepchildren; Diana (Mike) Deerfield of Gaylord, Richard Geary of Gaylord, Sue (Tony) Hassinger of Minnesota, Debbie (Gary Riley of Iowa; 17 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and 9 step great grandchildren.
Alvin was preceeded in death by his parents; his first wife, Dorothy; his wife Joan Jozwiak; a sister, Barbara Seile, a brother Bernard Jozwiak, also his stepson, Steven Geary, and son in law, Ronald McCormick.
A memorial service with a graveside committal will be held for Alvin and Joan next spring.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc. 135 N. Center, Gaylord, MI 49735
12 comments on “Alvin F. Jozwiak”
We are really sad about the passing of Al. Especially so soon to the passing of Joan. We hadn’t known Al for all that many years, but from the first time we met him, he immediately made a lasting impression on both of us. We will miss him and Joan, and know they both have had a good part in many people’s lives.
My Dearest Dad, I am truly going to miss your hugs, kisses, and most of all YOU. I still cant believe that you are gone. I will cherish our last few months together. Thank you for everything you have done for me since Ron passed away. I LOVE YOU DAD. Say hello to Mom, Joanie, Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Barbara, Uncle George, Uncle Bernie, and most of all, Ron for me. Tell them how much they are missed.
Love your daughter, Teresa.♥️♥️♥️♥️😭😭😭😭😭😘😘😘😘😘🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I am so sorry to hear of Al’s passsing. He was such a nice and talented man. He will be missed very much.
I’m very sorry to hear of Al’s passing. He was a good friend and fellow musician. Al was a fantastic drummer who loved Polish music and lived to perform it. He was drummer in our band (The Varieties of Gaylord) for over 15 years. He taught me much in the style and rhythm of Polish music. And his singing in Polish was always a ‘class act’, enjoyed by many. I will miss Al but the memories and good times will forever last.
Thank you so much for your very sincere and kind words. He was really truly happy when he played with you all in the band. He was a very caring person and I will truly miss my father.
We’re so very sorry to hear about Al. He was such a kind friend and we had so many fun times with him and Joan! He’s playing his polka music in heaven now and will be missed by many! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God bless.
My heart is truly broken broken . It has been 10 days since Al’s passing and I didn’t know.
Al had the sweetest smile and the kindest heart. I will cherish the beautiful birdhouse he made Dan and I for Christmas forever. He was absolutely the most amazing man I have ever known and I admired him so much.
I loved Al and Joanie so much. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for them
Peace and Love to there children 💞
Thank you Charmaine for your kind words. He will be truly missed by me. My father was the most caring man.
Thank you for your kind words Charmaine, they really mean alot. He was the most caring person. I will miss my father so very much.
I Wish I knew him better. Time lost can never be recovered. Goodbye Grandpa.
I wish you could of also Joseph.
I wish you could of know him better also. He was a very caring person.