Gary R. Kwiatkowski

Gary Robert Kwiatkowski, age 70, of Carleton, Michigan passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026 surrounded by family at his home.
Born on August 25, 1955 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, he was the son of Robert and Florence (Boron) Kwiatkowski. On June 30, 1995, he married the love of his life, Karen Thomas, in St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
After his career at Lear Corporation, he continued working his dream job as a farmer.
Gary is best remembered for his love of family, passion for farming, and fondness for deer hunting. He was a loyal friend and was always quick with a joke. He was a hard worker and took pride in everything that he did. Gary enjoyed watching NASCAR races, preparing for the hunting season, and watching western movies. He never missed an opportunity to joke with the people he loved, and they always knew it was all in fun - and all in love. Gary will forever be remembered as a loving son, devoted brother, proud uncle, and fun great-uncle. To know him was to love him, and he will be dearly missed.
Gary was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Robert and Florence Kwiatkowski; his in-laws, Charles and Jewell Thomas; two brothers-in-law, Clayton and Dennis Thomas; and a sister-in-law, Jill Thomas, who was also the spouse of Clayton.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 30 years, Karen Kwiatkowski; his three siblings, Ronald (Krystal) Kwiatkowski, Nancy (Frank) Atkinson, and Robert Kwiatkowski; nieces Chelsea (Josh) Rupert, Kylie (Garrett) Johnson, Karlee (Josh) Pershing, and Julianne Atkinson and her fiancé Matt Allison; great-nephews Walker Johnson and Luke Rupert; and great-nieces Evelyn Rupert and soon-to-be Baby Johnson.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a private celebration of life for his family. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date.