William J. "Bill" Kotowski

Kotowski, William J.

Pinckney, MI

William J. (Bill) Kotowski, age 74, died peacefully at home after a 20 month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born September 18, 1950 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of William A. Kotowski and Dorothy (Nowak) Kotowski

He was married to Cheryl (Pake) Casady on November 23, 1996 who shared his life, his love, his laughter and numerous adventures. Survivors include his wife Cheryl, beloved children Dr. Jennifer Kotowski, Battle Creek, MI, Robert (Briana) Ann Arbor, MI, Tricia (Carl) Laesch, Pinckney, MI, Ryan (Nikki) Casady, Birmingham, MI, and Shannon (Geoffrey) Karel, Blaine, MN; and six treasured grandchildren Tyler and Lainey Laesch, Korben and Autumn Kotowski, Sophie Casady, and Elin Karel, his sister Carol Hoogterp of Grand Rapids, MI, and twin brother Robert of Rio Vista, CA. Bill is also survived by ex-wife Eleanore (Merryman) Kotowski of Dexter, sisters-in-law Cathy Pake of Wixom, Karen (Bill) Chadwick of Clare, Julie (Steve) Bader of Spring, Texas, and Donna (Brad) Mast of Grand Rapids, MI, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bill graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1972, and Master's Degree in 1973, and was Vice-President of Chi Epsilon (national engineering honor society). Bill loved Michigan sports, having season tickets over the years to the football, basketball, and hockey games. He also enjoyed card games and playing mahjong with good friends, baking, making spreadsheets, traveling, and golf with his buddies Nate Zill and Ed Schrader.

Bill worked for the Ohio EPA and as the Assistant Public Health Engineer for Washtenaw County. He had a successful private sector career concluding as Vice-President, Chief Engineer and lead of the Novi engineering design center for MACTEC Engineering and Consulting, Inc. He was involved with the Dexter Community Players having numerous roles in plays and musicals, including Felix Unger in The Odd Couple, Ali Hakim in Oklahoma and Mark Halliday in Dial M For Murder. Bill was also involved in interactive murder mystery dinner theater with the Pinckney Players.

He enjoyed chocolate and ice cream.

Bill was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter, MI. He was involved in various activities including President of the Parish Council during the 1990 150th anniversary of the Parish, Minister of Hospitality, Minister of the Eucharist, Liturgy of the Word for Children, Festival worker and assistance on several of the never ending fund drives. Bill tried to live his life according to the philosophy of the More You Give the More You Get (a.k.a. Karma).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20 from 4-8 pm with wake service at 7 pm, at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel.

On Thursday, August 21, visitation will be held from 10-11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Country Church, 6805 Mast Road, Dexter MI followed at 11 am by Catholic Mass with burial at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Fr. Brendan Walsh will serve as Presider. This is to be a joyful celebration of Bill's life and he requested that we wear colorful attire.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his memory to the Farley Hill Food Pantry or St. Joseph Catholic Church capital campaign for parish needs.

Finally, in the words of Porky Pig……That's All Folks!