Joseph Patrick Wachowiak

Joseph Patrick Wachowiak
March 17, 1925 – February 18, 2025
Joseph Patrick Wachowiak passed away peacefully at home in Bay City, just shy of his 100th birthday, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 17, 1925, to the late Joseph F. and Blanche (Janowiak) Wachowiak, he was the eldest son of nine children and a child of the Great Depression. From a young age, he embraced hard work, traveling across Bay City on foot to assist his aunt and uncle's farm, a testament to the dedication that would define his life.
Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a teenager, driven by his love for the water and a strong sense of duty. He proudly served from 1943 to 1946, along with all four of his brothers being servicemen as well. He remained deeply committed to military service throughout his life. He was a plank member of the Lone Star Sailor Monument in Washington, D.C., and a life member of AMVETS 22, Elks Lodge 88, and the American Legion Post 18.
After his service, Joe became a master upholsterer, co-owning Custom Upholstery business in Bay City. His craftsmanship was widely respected, even earning him commissions from Dow. Outside of work, he took immense pride in maintaining his home and yard, always keeping everything in perfect order. A natural handyman, he could fix or build anything.
On August 30, 1947, Joe married his childhood sweetheart, Josephine C. Wachowiak. They shared nearly 70 years of marriage before her passing. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and shared adventures. They were avid golfers, playing throughout Michigan and beyond, and Joe golfed in the Elks League, where he made lifelong friends on the course.
Joe was deeply devoted to his faith as a lifelong member of St. Hedwig's, now Corpus Christi Parish. He served as an adult altar server, a dedicated usher, and played an active role in church events, including helping with Holy Trinity's bingo nights.
A social and kind-hearted man, Joe loved good conversation and cherished time spent with family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards, especially schmear, along with board games, casino trips, and bowling. He bowled on teams and traveled across the country. In his younger years, he enjoyed ice skating. He also enjoyed attending Detroit baseball games and was a season ticket holder at Bay City Players for many years alongside Josephine.
Joe's legacy is one of love, faith, service, and unwavering devotion to family. He is survived by his children: Catherine Wachowiak and Bill (Cindy) Wachowiak; his grandchildren: Phillip Wachowiak, Elizabeth (Dr. Nicolas Cook) Wachowiak; his sister, Mary Ann Gradowski; his brother, Thomas (Candy) Wachowiak; and many beloved nieces and nephews, including his close niece and goddaughter, Patricia Kalinowski.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Josephine; his parents Joseph F. and Blanche; his siblings: Loretta "Butch" (Joe Stempek) Buczek, Cecilia "Sally" Delesowicz, James Wachowiak, Jan Wachowiak, Gerald (Joyce) Wachowiak, Arlene "Archie" (Hubert "Herbie") Kalinowski, and Edwin (Cathy) Wachowiak, father and mother-in-law: Peter "Jessie" and Edline Stachowiak and brother-in-law Donald Gradowski.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Corpus Christi Food Pantry or the Good Samaritan Center.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Corpus Christi Parish - Holy Trinity Church. Fr. Bob Byrne celebrating. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Joe will be laid to rest at St. Patrick Cemetery.