Michael J. Kowalchuk

Michael J. Kowalchuk, age 67, longtime resident of Novi, passed away August 4, 2023. He was born on March 6, 1956 in Utica, New York; son of Peter and Eugenia (Nowik) Kowalchuk. He graduated from New York Mills High School in New York Mills, New York; class of 1974.  He continued his education at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.  Michael was united in marriage to Marcia J. Champagne on August 20, 1983; they spent 39 years lovingly devoted to one another.

Just out of college, Michael began his long successful career as an Engineer.  He worked for Ford Motor Company for almost 30 years.  In 2009, he took a job with Chrysler, ultimately retiring as Assistant Chief Engineer in 2022.

Michael enjoyed travelling; he visited many places all over the world, including the Mexican Rivera, Europe, and travelled extensively throughout the United States.  Each summer he would take a trip to New York to see family that always included a stop at F.X. Matt Brewing Co.  Michael also enjoyed camping with his sons.  He liked working in the yard and kept a very well-manicured lawn.  In retirement he served as Landscape Chair for his subdivision’s homeowners’ association. He spent countless hours watching and feeding the birds around his home.  He was visited by hummingbirds, oriels, and blue jays that ate the peanuts he left out.  Putting his engineering skills to the test, he was always developing creative new ways to protect the bird feeders from the squirrels.  Michael used various projects around his home as an opportunity to spend quality time with his boys and teach them how to fix things.  When his boys were younger, he was heavily involved in Cub Scouts and served as Assistant Cub Master.  He was an avid and often frustrated Lions Football fan and season ticket holder for many years.  Michael and his wife had a wonderful group of friends that would get together each Saturday night for dinner or a BBQ.  His favorite place to be was at home surrounded by family along with his dog, Macy, a labradoodle.  Lovingly known as Grampy, he cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren.  Michael was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend; he will be missed by all who loved him.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Marcia Kowalchuk; his son, John Kowalchuk; his grandchildren, Riley and Lucas; his siblings, Mary (Dave) Burns, Anna (Jim) Pelno, Nina Belmar, and Nick (Christine) Kowalchuk; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his son Steve Kowalchuk and his parents.

The visitation will be held Monday, August 14, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  He will be laid to rest with his son at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to American Cancer Society , PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.