John Francis "Jack" Orlowski, age 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home the morning of January 24th, 2023.
He was a lifelong resident of Michigan City and was born with a twin sister Joan on July 3rd, 1932. Which as he would remind you was also George M. Cohan's birthday and he would then sing the Yankee Doodle Dandy lyric. Jack was second to the youngest child in a large depression era family of 9 and delivered newspapers every day while he attended St Mary's grade school and then graduated from St Mary's High School in 1950. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1952. But before his enlistment began, was drafted into the U.S. Army. Due to a significant twist of fate during basic training exams at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, he ended up stationed in La Rochelle France during the Korean War.
He had many fine stories and pictures to share of his travels in Europe. After being honorably discharged, he returned home and met the love of his life, Karen Mae Wolf who became his bride on April 14th, 1956. They wasted no time in having children and by July of 1961, they were blessed with five, namely, Dan, Kathy, Tom, Mary, and Tim.
Jack was a Michigan City Firefighter for 25 years and fought some of the city's worst fires. He had a strong work ethic and always had a part time job to support his family. In the 1970's it was at Sanlo industry on the shipping dock and then Dr Bankoff's Lab.
After his retirement from the fire department, he worked in maintenance at St Anthony hospital for 19 years. He was the best hospital bed repairman they ever had. Jack was the steady hand in a storm and was always a man you could rely upon. He was an avid White Sox and Packers fan. He liked to bowl. He won the ABC bowling League championship title in 1993 and collected many high game awards with his left handed bowling balls.
Dad enjoyed a long and joyful retirement where he and mom became more active in their Faith. They enjoyed so very many fun and memorable days being with and loving their family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren. In his last years of life, he often remarked how blessed he was, how blessed his whole family was, to have lived this journey of a life with such a loving family, truly a gift from God.
Jack is survived by his five children: Daniel (Debbie) Orlowski; Kathryn (Bob) Marion; Thomas Orlowski: Mary Dornbrock; and Timothy (Mary Jo) Orlowski. 13 grandchildren: Andrew Orlowski, Jennifer Speary, and Tracey Orlowski: Matthew and Evan Pabis: Grace, Jacob, Hannah and Caspian Orlowski; Kate Gonzalez; Vincent, Alexander, and Celeste Orlowski. He is also survived by 14 great grandchildren: Adam and Sophie Orlowski: Lucas and Violet Frazer, Caden Gonzalez : Ian, Lillian, Charlotte, and Jackson Orlowski; Arabella, Oliver, and Verena Pabis; Otto Eli and Myah Rose.
Proceeding him in death were his wife Karen: his parents, Mary (Drewes) and Adam Orlowski; Siblings Eugene "Bud" Orlowski, Eulalia "Lolly" Kazmucha, Deloris Whitaker, Lois Daniel, Joan Siegel, and Jerry Orlowski; granddaughter Lydia Orlowski and grandson Dominic Dornbrock.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, January 30th, 2023 at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN with Pastor William Fine officiating. Burial will follow in Saint Stanislaus Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sunday and from 9:00 am - 10:00 am Monday at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel.
Contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 1201 Franklin Street, Michigan City, IN 46360.
"He has told you, Oh mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our website at
www.otthaverstock.com.
