Gerald T. (Jerry) Borowiak, age 70, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 27, 2023.
Jerry was born to Edmund and Lillian (Dreffs) Borowiak on September 20, 1952, in Detroit, MI.
As a teen, he spent many summers on his Uncle Bob’s farm in Gaylord, MI. The farm work grew his love for the area and built his work ethic to provide for his family. It was the stepping stone into the life we all knew him for.
He was meticulous about his vehicles and motorcycle. He had many talents and skills that employed him as a truck driver, and a gas well lease operator, which led to the repairing of different mechanical parts for different companies throughout his career. As much as he hated the snow, he loved to tinker with his old plow truck. Jerry retired in 2018 after working his whole life. His favorite thing to do was sit and chat over a cup of coffee. He always could relate and always had a story to tell.
Jerry is survived by his three children, Steven (Shanna) Borowiak of Gaylord, MI, Katie (Andy) Borowiak of Grand Rapids, MI, and Theresa (Andy) Nowak of Elmira, MI; eight grandchildren, Ryland, Levi, Ainsley, Anthony, Vivian, Drew, Max, and Frankie; brothers Tom (Rosann) Borowiak of Troy, NY, Dennis (Maureen) Borowiak of Gaylord, MI; sister, Janice (Brian) Craig of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI; his former wife, Victoria (Mark) Borowiak of Gaylord, MI; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Edmund and Lillian Borowiak; brother, Brian Borowiak; nephew, Benjamin Borowiak; brother-in-law, Joseph Tomaski; mother- and father-in-law, Harry and Rose Tomaski; his best friend and his son, Jim, and Kenny Naski.
Jerry will be remembered for his quiet, calm presence. The family would like to thank Jerry’s home care team of nurses and caregivers and other family members that helped care for him over this past year. They all went above and beyond.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Cathedral with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Visitation will also be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Nelson Funeral Home.
Donations can be made to The Care Team Hospice by mail at 604 W. Main St., Suite A, Gaylord, MI 49735, or Otsego County Commission On Aging online at online at https://otsegocountycoa.org/donate/.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
6 comments on “Gerald T. Borowiak”
I am so sad to hear of the loss of your father. He was so cherished by your Grandmother, Rose Tomaski and now they will see each other again. May God give you children strength during this difficult time.
Loretta and John Swantek
I’m so sorry Theresa. You did so much for your dad in the past few years. You should have comfort in that. Your hands are full and you still did what you could to give him comfort and some kind of life in his health conditions. Your parents are very proud of you for stepping up. You will miss him but you have plenty of memories to hold him close in your heart. Always thinking of you and your family. Love Kim
So sorry for your loss! Loving thoughts and prayers for the family! Such a beautiful soul! He will be missed!
Let me begin by offering my sincere condolences to the entire Borowiak family and his friends. I knew Gerry through my very long friendship (65 Years) with his brother Denny. I always remembered and admired his strong work ethic.
My late father actually coached Gerry in football at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Detroit. On a lighter note, he gave Gerry a special nickname. He used to call him Joe Don Looney. For those not familiar with Detroit Lions football history, he was a former running back with a very stocky build.
While I will not be able to attend the service, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Bill Elias
Florida
Prayers and love for you and your family Katie!
So sorry for your loss! I worked with Jerry at Hidden Valley many years ago. He was a great person!