WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Michael A. Myckowiak’s wish to be reunited with his wife, Phyllis, was finally granted on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014.
He was born May 21, 1924, in Lowell, to Michael F. and Florence (Darby) Myckowiak.
The family moved to Grand Rapids and he graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1942. He attended Grand Rapids Junior College and graduated from Western Michigan University in 1946.
He was in the U.S. Army at Fort Knox from June 1946 to May 1947.
He met Phyllis Sowers of Sturgis at a dance. She went home and told her mother, “I met the nicest guy, but he’s so short!” They married on March 9, 1947.
Michael taught woodworking, printing and drafting in the Grand Rapids public schools from 1947 to 1966. The family moved to Sturgis as he became the vocational dean at Glen Oaks Community College when it was founded. He was the communication educational school director for Coldwater Public Schools beginning in 1969. Four years later, he and Phyllis moved to Battle Creek, where he was director of continuing education for Western Michigan University. He retired from WMU in 1983.
He enjoyed woodworking, building furniture and other household items for friends and family. He knew how to spin metal and worked as a craftsman part-time in a shop in Richland. Having been a shop teacher most of his life, you could identify him by the bow tie he always wore.
Michael and Phyllis liked to travel and always made lifelong friends wherever they went. Michael was very proud of his ’67 Mustang convertible and loved to drive it to get ice cream. He was very involved with First Methodist Church in Battle Creek, singing in the choir and serving in leadership roles. In 2003, they decided to downsize and moved to Charlotte to be nearer family.
Michael’s wife, Phyllis, preceded him in death. He is survived by one of his five siblings, Arlene Arkema; a daughter, Holly (Dennis) Mortlock; a son, Scott (Barb) Myckowiak; a granddaughter, Mindy; and grandsons Bryan and Bob. There are three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, with the Rev. David Augenstein officiating at Pray Funeral Home, 401 W. Seminary St., Charlotte.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Sensations Memory Care Residence, 511 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.prayfuneral.com.
