Anthony "Tony" Bukowski

Anthony Bukowski Bay City, Michigan Anthony Bukowski crossed over February 24, 2013 at McLaren Bay Region. He was a resident of Bay City. At age 91, Anthony was born August 15, 1921 in Isabella County to the late Adam & Mary (Wilk) Bukowski. He was one of ten children. Tony is predeceased by brothers: Henry, Casimier, Adam, John, & Leonard. Sisters: Dorothy (Ed) Torka, Vera & Josephine (Don) Beard. He is survived by his sister MaryAnne (Cherry) Knapp. Anthony was married to the late Harriet Ruth (Summers) March 4, 1950. He is survived by their three children, Cynthia (Randy) Anderson, Gordon Bukowski, Bonnie (Dennis) Reinke & his granddaughter, Morgan Maxson, his pride & joy. He also leaves behind Tyler, his Patagonian Conure. Anthony was an Amphibious Engineer in the Army in WWII, as well as a sharpshooter. He was one of the first to storm the beaches of Normandy on D-day & received numerous medals of accomodation. Two Purple Hearts, WWII Victory Medal, WWII African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Citation & Silver Stars. Anthony worked at Woodcraft, Autolite, owned Buck's Trucking & spent nearly forty years working at Grey Iron Foundry in Saginaw, with never one sick day. Tony enjoyed drag racing sometimes illegally, successfully playing the stock market & he built a radio himself that played continually for over thirty years nonstop. But, when he finally became a Grampa, that may have been his biggest joy of all & he was a wonderful Grampa & then he enjoyed making snowmen. Dad was the 'Godfather' of the family . . . with his strong character, kind heart & gentle soul, he was our rock. He was definitely the Boss. But he was always there to turn to if need be. He had opinions, but when things were serious, he gave you his thoughts & if you earned his love & respect, he may let you in on some of his true feelings. Tony was truly a complex, intelligent & handsome man. He had the opportunity for many shenanigans in 91 years with many stories to tell. Tony was a wonderful husband, father & grandfather & loved dearly by Harriet & all of us. He was an extremely admired & respected silent hero & I'm proud he's our Dad. A special thank you to Andrea and Mandy for their thoughtfulness. I Am There by Hanoochi I am the breeze that kisses your cheek. I am the sun that warms your face. When you look at the purple evening sky, it is me. When you see a majestic mountain, it is me. When the birds sweetly sing, it is my voice. When the water gently laps against the shore, it is my heartbeat. I am the green grass against your feet. I am the refreshing shade of summer. In the stars, you see my eyes. In the blue sky, you see my body. Feel the air that surrounds you, I am there. Feel the love in your heart, I am there. Our rainbows will never be as colorful . . . . The Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be Rev. Joseph Atchinson. Private interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Fairview, MI. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Michigan Humane Society. www.gephartfuneralhome.com