Michael Wawro

Michael Joseph Wawro born on November 17, 1953, died suddenly February 23, 2026, at My Michigan Medical Center. He was born in Flint to Edward and Patricia (Dalton) Wawro. Michael attended St. John Vianney High School and graduated from Central High School both in Flint. He was part of the University of Michigan graduating Class of 1975 earning a bachelor's degree in business administration. He moved to Alpena in 1984.

Michael met his lifetime love Janice Johnson at a meeting of the P.O.U.T Club at Latitude's Tavern. They were married June 17, 1987, on the shores of Lake Huron at the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse. They were married for 39 beautiful years. Michael had a lot of different career interests, including working at the Flint Indian Center as Executive Director, serving as Alpena City Planner, and running Thunder Bay Canoe Company with his wife. He last worked at AAA as a claims adjuster for 18 years until his retirement in 2016.

Michael was a true Michigan man, a lover of the outdoors. He enjoyed canoeing, snowshoeing and watching ships come in. He loved camping at the Two Hearted River up on Lake Superior with his family. He made two birch bark canoes by hand with the help of his father, after learning traditional techniques from the Sault tribe of Chippewa Native Americans. He was a whiz at Jeopardy and loved playing solitaire. He was also a man of deep faith, serving as a volunteer minister at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesss. He spent his retired years sharing his Bible-based faith with the community. Michael was a kind, quiet man who was always deep in thought. He loved spending his free time writing stories, poems, and even song lyrics.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mark, and his infant daughter Kathryn. He is survived by his wife Janice, children Patrick (Nicole) Mackle of San Diego, CA, Daniel (Kelsey) Wawro of St. Paul, MN, Colleen (Nathan) Bostic of Harrison, MI and Molly Wawro of South Lyon, MI, his siblings Shannon (Bo) Tomkie, Matt (Elizabeth) Wawro, and Erin (Bruce) Warren and his five grandchildren, Parker, Quintin, Arlo, Kemper, and Rush.

A memorial service will take place at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the family to help offset funeral expenses. McWilliams Funeral Home has assisted the family.