TRAVERSE CITY — Kenneth Michael Wozniak, 38, of Traverse City, passed away at the University of Michigan Hospital on Monday, April 16, 2007, following a long illness.
He was born June 7, 1968, in Detroit, to parents, Tom and Jane (Weitlauf) Wozniak.
In 1980, the family moved to the Petoskey area, where Ken attended St. Francis Xavier School and graduated from Petoskey High School in 1986. Following graduation, Ken attended North Central Michigan College in Petoskey for two years and then transferred to Central Michigan University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, master's and specialist's degree in school psychology.
On Nov. 6, 1993, he was united in marriage with the former Karrie Lynn Schmidt in Bay City. In 1993, Ken and Karrie moved to Traverse City, where he began working as a school psychologist for the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District.
Ken was a respected professional, dedicated family man, loving son, kind-hearted friend and a seasoned wise guy! He enjoyed spending summers on the boat, taking on remodeling projects around the house, watching the Red Wings, as well as listening to music and playing the guitar. Ken started taking guitar lessons when he was 10 years old and grew into a very talented musician.
Ken is survived by his wife, Karrie; his son, Bradley; and daughter, Katie, all of Traverse City; his parents, Tom (Jane) Wozniak of Walloon Lake; one sister, Karen Karatkiewicz of Greenville; one brother, Kevin (Amy) Wozniak of Howard City; many loving nieces and nephews; as well as other relatives and many friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his grandparents and a cousin, Darryl Stihler.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Friday, April 20, 2007, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI. Funeral services celebrating Ken's Life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Reverend Robert Zagore will officiate. A requiem Mass will offered for Ken at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mancelona at a later date and time.
Memorial contributions may be directed to "Wozniak Children's College Fund," c/o Traverse City State Bank, 310 W. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Munson Community Health Center and the University of Michigan Health System for their help and support during this very difficult time.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
