ERNIE A. KOZLOWKSI

Ernie A. Kozlowski passed away at home on Feb. 14, 2024.

He was born March 26, 1943, in Huron County to Sam and Susie (Schubert) Kozlowski and grew up on the family farm in Port Austin. After graduation from Port Austin Public High School in 1960, he worked briefly for his brother Roman at the construction of Wurtsmith AFB. He headed north to Alpena where he met and then married Joanne Higgins on June 2, 1962, at St. Anne Catholic Church. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve program and shortly thereafter commenced active duty. He was stationed at Grosse Isle, Norfolk, Va., Imperial Beach, Calif., South Weymouth, Mass., and finally Selfridge AFB. “Chief Ski” earned multiple decorations, medals, badges, commendations, and citations in his 21 years of service. In 1983, he retired at the rank of Master Chief (E9) and thoroughly enjoyed his farewell salute from four Canadian bagpipers at the celebration.

The family returned to Alpena where he acquired employment with the U.S. Treasury Department and enjoyed his second well-earned retirement 20 years later.

In retirement, Ernie enjoyed traveling out west and especially hiking the Superstition Mountains, riding the Harley with his great group of friends, snowmobiling through Michigan and Canada, activities with the ROMEO bicycle club, and life on Long Lake.

Ernie is predeceased by his parents, his sister Francis Andreski, his brother Earl, and his beloved granddaughter and birthday buddy, Katie Jo Hall.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Joanne; daughters Debra and Lisa (Tom) Hall, son Kevin; beloved granddaughter Kelsey (Sam) Carstens, great-granddaughter Ophelia Warren; brother Roman Kozlowski; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ernie is at McWilliams Funeral Home where visiting hours will be held on Monday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Military honors will be accorded by VFW Post #2496 and the U.S. Navy starting at 5 p.m. with the funeral service following. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alpena County Library or the VFW Post #2496.