John Czachowrski

A hard working man, John Adam Czachowrski was known as a trustworthy and dependable worker. A devoted husband, dedicated father, brother and worthwhile friend, he valued those in his life beyond compare. Although he is gone from sight, his memory lives on in the hearts of many as he will be deeply missed.

The heyday of the Roaring 20s, life for many in 1925 consisted of Chaplin movies and a love of baseball. Prohibition was at its’ peak and big cities boasted a sense of gaiety as the Charleston and flapper took the dance halls by storm. It was a time of rapid growth within the nation, and industry boomed. Nestled in the heart of Michigan in the quiet village of Bridgeville, William and Mary (Gurdziel) Czachowrski experienced a time of growth in their lives as well when they welcomed the birth of their son, John Adam born on March 1, 1925.

One of seven children in the Czachowrski household, John lived in the Colony with his family before moving to Elsie, Michigan where they purchased a farm to raise cows and grow mint. With bartering as a way of life, John’s father paid off the note for the farm with two barrels of precious mint oil. Chores and farming responsibilities always came before play, although John and his siblings shared many adventures which made for wonderful stories their whole lives through. Even from an early age, John was no stranger to a strong work ethic. He learned its’ value and it served him well throughout his life. During John’s formative years, honesty, integrity and honor were other important traits he was instilled with along with a polite and courteous nature toward others.

School buses were few and never ran in the rural areas, so John had quite a trek back and forth to the one room school house he attended everyday. The winter months were especially difficult as was the lack of indoor plumbing in their home. Hardship was typically a way of life for John and his family, foremost through uncertain times they faced as farmers. It was especially hard during John’s youth as Depression era economics and difficult farming conditions touched the very core of all. Raccoon hunting became extremely important to John. Having grown to be quite a skilled hunter and fisherman, he depended on his ability to help provide food for his family, along with the fact that it was something he loved.

John grew up working on his father’s farm as well as neighboring farms where he was valued for his honesty and hard work. At the age of 19 he was drafted into the Army, serving during World War II. Upon his discharge, he returned home to Michigan and worked various jobs for a living. One night in particular during this time played an important role in the future of John’s life when he met a beautiful young woman named Joann Bunge while cruising with friends in Owosso. The two hit it off and quickly began dating. He even taught Joann how to shoot a shotgun, but it kicked so hard she hated it and left hunting to him! Deeply in love, the two were soon married in St. Johns, Michigan.

John and Joann rented small apartments until they eventually saved enough money to build a home on Ora Street in the country. Years later the city limit was extended and their home was then deemed within the city limits. The best of both worlds, John loved the outdoors where he spent time trapping and fishing over the years, but coon hunting remained his passion. He began working for C&J Driveway where he later hauled cars for 23 years and was a member of the Teamsters. Childless for the first seven years of their marriage, Joann didn’t want children until they were settled and had a backyard for them to play in. Now with a beloved home of their own, they were blessed with the birth of their first child, Ann Marie. Four years later in 1962, Steven was born, completing their family. John raised his children with many of the same values he learned growing up, and introduced his son Steven to the world of hunting at an early age. Many memorable times were shared together with birthday and holiday dinners and most summers were spent enjoying Crystal Lake at a cottage they bought. They took one big, enjoyable family trip out west one year because John truly wanted his kids to see the country. In all he did, John possessed sincere patience and a caring demeanor. Although he had a strong personality and held firmly to his values, he was a good, attentive father who was close to his children.

Along with his job hauling cars, John always knew how to bring extra money into the household. His years working on the farms paid off with his knack for fixing small engines, mowers, and snow blowers which he did for nearly 50 years. He never did anything half way and always worked towards perfection, diligently and honestly. One of the best loved traits John had was his undeniable sense of humor that brought smiles to the faces of many. He liked collecting coins, but when it came down to it, he was simply a man who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. Most importantly, he held his family at the center of his heart. It was difficult for each of them when John’s wife Joann was diagnosed with cancer. After 50 years of devotion, she died in 2002. Worried that John wouldn’t be able to care for himself after she died, he was indeed a fighter and survivor, and cared for himself right up until the last of his days.

Soon after Joann’s death, John’s own health began to decline. He developed congestive heart failure and his kidneys began to fail, forcing him to be on dialysis for the next five years. With his battle over, John died peacefully at home on Friday, July 2, 2010 with his children by his side. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

John is survived by his two children: Ann Marie Czachowrski of Grand Ledge and Steven John Czachowrski of Lansing; sister, Mary Ujlaky; sisters-in-law: Betty Czachowrski, Sharon Cutler and Sue Isaac; brother-in-law, Jerry Bunge; many nieces and nephews. Along with his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Czachowrski; brothers, William and Ed; sisters: Wantina (Joe) Vanhorn, Anne Czachowrski and Lottie (Charles) Bohac.

Funeral Services for John will be held Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 1:00 PM at Osgood Funeral Homes, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, MI. 48879 with visitation two hours prior to the service at the funeral home from 11-1 PM. Pastor Kathy Leydorf officiating with burial following at Mt. Rest Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory, submit a photo or to sign John’s online guest book.