BERNARD ANDRZEJEWSKI

On Sept. 9, 1954, Bernie was born in Alpena, Michigan to the late Joseph and Antoinete (Czajkowski) Andrzejewski. On Oct. 20, 1979, he married the love of his life, Shannon McElmurry in Rogers City, Michigan. His profound work ethic started at a very young age, helping his father and uncle on the family farm in Posen, Michigan of which he currently owned and enjoyed many wonderful memories with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He took a job as a janitor in fifth grade for St. Bernard Catholic Church, where he proudly attended grade school. He held this job through high school where he attended Alpena Catholic Central and graduating from the Alpena High in 1972. He attended Alpena Community College for Welding and Machine Tool Technology, where he quickly excelled and assisted with teaching many courses. While attending ACC, he started a job at National Gypsum as a Maintenance Repairman until the company takeover by Lafarge Alpena Plant, where he was one of the first to be called back to work. He worked his way up from a Maintenance Repairman to Maintenance Supervisor then finally a Mechanical Maintenance Planner, retiring after 38 years of service.

He helped so many citizens of our area in their time of need, serving as Fire Chief for Presque Isle Township Fire Department and EMT-S for decades and often assisting other departments in our area whenever possible. He was recently the Fire Commissioner for Presque Isle Township while remaining a part of the New Presque Isle Township Fire Department.

He was a true family man, wonderful father and husband. He spent countless hours at his children’s sporting events through the years, traveling all over Michigan and Canada, which he proudly loved and enjoyed. He most recently enjoyed hobby farming and producing maple syrup. He took pride in helping others and always doing the right thing no matter what. His greatest treasures were his grandchildren which he enjoyed spending time with. He will be missed by many but his legacy will continue through his family and those that loved him.

Bernie is survived by his wife Shannon of 40 years. His children: Kelly (Paul) Romel, of Posen, Michigan and Kyle (Clariece) Andrzejewski, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; two grandchildren: Bridgette Andrzejewski and Easton Romel. One sister Irene (Jeff) Davis of Petoskey and one brother-in-law Craig (Roberta) McElmurry, of Alpena, Michigan; along with his nieces, nephews, cousins, and his uncle and godfather: Paul Czajkowski, of Posen, Michigan.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Antoinette.

Family and friends will gather for visitation at Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, from 2-8 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church from noon until the 2 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial begins with Fr. James Fitzpatrick officiating.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery

Memorials: All Saints Catholic School of Alpena and St. Bernard’s Friendship Room

Online Condolences: www.karpushuntercares.com.