Walter E. "Gov" Gawkowski, Sr.

Mr. Walter E. "Gov" Gawkowski, Sr., age 86, passed away Tuesday morning, March 11, 2008. He was born May 4, 1921 in Muskegon to Frank and Stefania (Savitsky) Gawkowski and was a life resident. Mr. Gawkowski was a graduate of Muskegon High School, and served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and the Muskegon Elks Lodge #274. In 1950 he opened Walt's Henry St. Market, and he operated that business for 10 years. In 1961 he opened Gov's Market before retiring in 1986. During his retirement, he helped and supported his son, Peter, with the opening of his first Subway business. He served for many years as a Board member for Viking Foods. On January 18, 1947 he married Rose Marie Romsek in Muskegon and she preceded him in death on January 1, 1994. SURVIVORS Include 3 sons, Peter (Becky) Gawkowski, Walter E. (Joan) Gawkowski, Jr. both of Muskegon, John (Susan) Gawkowski of Redwood Shores, CA; son-in-law, Joseph J. Rafferty, DDS of Fruitport; 8 grandchildren, Jenny (Kyle) Buck, Katy (Jason) Kohley, Daniel (Sherry) Gawkowski, Kerrin (Alan) VanWashenova, Pete Gawkowski, Susie Rafferty, Amy Gawkowski, Annie Gawkowski; 2 great-grandchildren, Alaina and Logan Kohley; brother, John (Pauline) Gawkowski of North Muskegon; many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Rafferty. THE FUNERAL LITURGY will be celebrated 11:00 AM Friday at St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Brown presiding. Entombment will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery. VISITATION will be from 2-4 & 6-8 PM Thursday at The Lee Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. (231) 798-1100 with the Rosary prayed at 6:00 PM. MEMORIALS to Hackley VNS - Hospice will be appreciated.