Richard Edward Jozwiak

Richard Edward "Dick" Jozwiak, age 83, passed away quietly on January 20, 2015 in Yuma, AZ, with his wife by his side.     Dick, the seventh of nine children, was born on August 29, 1931, to Walter and Stella (Zielinski) Jozwiak. On February 6, 1976, he married Rosemarie Rae Henderson. She survives him, along with their son Matthew Jason.       Dick, a 1949 graduate of St. John's High School in Essexville, worked in the building trades all his life, starting at an early age in his father's business, Walter Jozwiak & Sons Contracting. During the Korean Conflict, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, working with the Corps of Engineers.        He continued in the building trades, working for local contractors building middle- to upper-middle-class homes and many commercial properties, eventually going into business for himself. He was well known throughout the area for his skill as a finish carpenter and mason.        In 1982, he went to work for the State of Michigan, retiring in 2000 as a Building Trades Supervisor. During retirement, Dick and Rae enjoyed RV traveling, especially to their favorite place - Yuma - renewing old friendships and making new ones along the way.       Dick held strong political beliefs in the Libertarian philosophy, which he didn't hesitate to share. He loved talking politics, expressing concerns about a future with the so-called "Patriot" Act and government intrusion into our private lives, and advocated for the non-aggression principle and taking personal responsibility.       He was a charter member of the Tri-City Libertarian Party and had been elected to positions of chair, vice-chair, and treasurer. He also served on the Ballot Access Retention Committee for the Libertarian Party of Michigan, and helped with many functions and promotions. Whether a protest for gun rights or a mailing of literature, Dick would be there. At age 75, on a very cold winter day, he was standing on a busy corner with a sign for his favorite candidate. He was a staunch defender of liberty and the U.S. Constitution.       Dick was a former member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council 2740. He was also a member of AmVets Post 22 and Eagles Aerie 1010.       Whenever something needed to be done, Dick was the first to volunteer. He could always be counted on to help anyone in need - family, friend, neighbor, or stranger. His kind, giving nature will be fondly remembered by many.       Dick is survived by his wife and son, brother Eugene, sister-in-law Eleanor, aunt Elaine Zielinski, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Marion, Harold, Walter Jr., and James, sisters and brothers-in-law Maureen (John) Yagiela, Sr. Mary Stella Jozwiak O.P., and Geraldine (George) Wilcox.       As per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no service. He hoped that everyone will remember the good times, all the fun and laughs, and look forward to the good things yet to come. And remember to smile at everyone you meet!       Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution is asked to consider a children's charity of their choice and/or the American Cancer Society.       A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the VFW Post #9809 (3265 Kochville Rd., Saginaw, MI). The family will be present from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning that God
was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone;
for part of us went with you,
that day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
your love is still our guide;
and though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same;
but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.