Michael S. Karnowski

Michael Stanley Karnowski, 77, of Pulaski, WI joined his Lord and Savior on May 4, 2025. Mike battled valiantly against a terminal lung disease and peacefully took his last breath in the home where he raised his family.

Born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, on June 5, 1947, Michael was the eldest of seven children born to Valentine and Helen (née Dulak) Karnowski. He is lovingly remembered by his surviving siblings Frank (Carol), Christine (Mark), Rose (Tom), Dennis (Joanie), and Bobby (LeeAnn). 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Max, his sister Grace (Mike), and sisters-in-law Sara and Carol.

Michael met the love of his life, Jane (née Stark), in 1970. They married in December 1971 and spent 53 devoted years together. Together they raised four children: Jeremy (Heidi), Jessica (Matthew), Kristen (Dan), and Danah (Michael). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Dane, Poppy, Tripp, Olivia, Jackson, Violet, Eve, Fox, and River.

Michael served his country with honor in the United States Navy from August 1965 until July 1969, receiving an honorable discharge in August 1971. Those who knew Michael would describe him with a rich mosaic of words: stubborn, generous, godly, witty, loyal, loving, and honest. He was a fisherman, mechanic, hunter, gardener, problem-solver, baker, athlete, coach, builder, and tinkerer. With an engineer’s mind and a craftsman’s hands, Michael approached life with passion and resilience. He was a provider, a faithful friend, a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, and a man of deep faith. 

Michael had a deep love for homegrown vegetables, bare feet (even in the dead of winter), and singing his heart out in church—vocal talent optional. An early riser by nature, he firmly believed the best way to start the day was cooking for others. He was happiest commandeering the kitchen like a general with a spatula and waking his kids and grandkids with the unmistakable scent of pancakes and something sizzling from the kitchen. Of course, in his enthusiasm, a little grease occasionally found its way onto the refrigerator handle (and maybe a few cabinet doors too). He lived by the motto: It’s better to be kind than right, though he’d argue (kindly, of course) that he was usually both.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the incredibly wonderful team at Moments Hospice for taking such good care of Mike during the last weeks of his life. Their care, advice, kind words and support were instrumental in helping everyone get through this challenging time.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Friday, May 23, at Simply Church in Suamico. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the following organizations:
Simply Church
2780 School Ln
Suamico, WI 54313
https://simplychurchgb.churchcenter.com/giving
Silver Birch Ranch
N6120 Sawyer Lake Rd. White Lake, WI 54491
https://www.silverbirchranch.org/donate