•MICHAEL JOSEPH NOWOWIEJSKI

Michael Joseph Nowowiejski was born September 24, 1946, and passed away on September 14, 2023, at age 76, from a short, wellfought battle with cancer. He exited this world from his home in Holland, where he lived his entire life, and now is present with his Lord Jesus in the heavenly places.

Mike enjoyed a full life. As a child, he attended Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and graduated from Springfield High School in 1964. Mike then went on to graduate from the University of Toledo in 1969, with an associate degree in general business and again in 1985 with an associate degree in applied science (mechanical engineering). In 1988, he earned a bachelor of science in technical education degree from Bowling Green State University, where he won a world championship for his mechanical propulsion team project at the OM Collegiate World Finals. This education helped Mike run a successful machine shop business with the help of his family.

In his early years, Mike helped out on his parents’ farm and he carried that love of farming until he had to give it up in the 1980s, due to his health. He still gardened several acres until his passing. Mike shared his passion, knowledge and expertise, for everything from engineering to the endangered wildflowers on his property, with everyone; he was always eager to teach. He was a founding member of the Rough Riders Four-Wheelers, racing Jeeps in the sand dunes in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, taking pictures of wildflowers and wildlife, and spending time with his family.

Throughout his life, Mike was active in his community, coaching baseball for more than 20 years, and then acting as an umpire for many more. He served on the conservatory board at Kitty Todd. He was especially proud of his role in ensuring that Highway 24 South did not cut through Oak Openings Metropark. Mike also served as a member of the Holland Homecoming Park Committee, assisting with the Strawberry Festival each year.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Susan “Sue” (Mc-Cafferty) Nowowiejski; children, Christopher Brown, Damian, Daniel (Janelle), Joseph (Bethany), Sarahlyn, Thomas (Alana) and Michael (Elizabeth) Nowowiejski; grandchildren, Ian, Avery, Evan, Gideon, Kora, Tommy, Silas, Naomi, Olive, Elisha, Lia and Senji. Also surviving are his sisters, Nancy Beyerl and Rita Storm, and many loved nieces, nephews, inlaws and friends.

The family will receive guests on Friday, September 22, from 2 until 8 p.m., at the Newcomer Funeral Home-West Sylvania Chapel, 3655 King Road, Toledo. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home Saturday, September 23, at 9:30 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery on Raab Road.

To leave a special message for Mike’s family, please visit NewcomerToledo.com