Sept. 28, 1919 — Feb. 17, 2016

Joseph Grabowski, 96, of Niles, Michigan died at 2:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, at Riveridge Manor in Niles following a brief illness.

He was born on Sept. 28, 1919, in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas and Mary (Balczarak) Grabowski. He attended Tilden Tech high school in Chicago, and was employed at the Louis Hoeckner Company wholesale floral distributor. He enlisted in the United States Army, served at foreign posts as a parachutist and demolition technician, and returned as a Veteran of World War II. He continued in the floral business, and in 1959 came to Niles to join the Brawley family business, Southwestern Michigan Wholesale Florist from which he retired after 25 years of service.

Joe was a member of Saint Mark Catholic Church in Niles. He always enjoyed helping neighbors wherever he lived, clearing snow, mowing lawns, moving trash cans, or gathering mail and newspapers for those on vacation.

On Aug. 29, 1945, in Chicago he married the former Janice F. Hendrickson with whom he celebrated the 55th anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on Feb. 8, 2001. They were also preceded in death by a son, Daniel J. Grabowski on Oct. 26, 1991, and a daughter, Judith Speers on Feb. 28, 2010; and by Joe’s brother and five sisters.

Surviving are many nieces, nephews, and cousins including Robert & Geri Jones of Park City, Utah, Pat Roberts of Chicago, and Rick & Barbara Garrard who provided his care.

The Catholic Funeral Liturgy for Joseph Grabowski will be read at 11a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles by the Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C. of Saint Mark Catholic Church. Committal Rites will follow at Mission Hills and will conclude with the Veterans Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Army Honor Guard.

Contributions in memory of Joe Grabowski may be made to Saint Mark Catholic Church.

www.halbritterfunerals.com