Bernard Floyd Zawistowski

Bernard F. Zawistowski, a devoted family man and servant of his faith, passed away at his home on May 28, 2021. Bernie was born on May 4, 1931 in the small town of Elmira, Michigan to Walter & Bernice (Pietrowski) Zawistowski. He was the eighth child in a family that would grow to total 12. The number 8 would follow him through life as a lucky number.

The war in Korean called for brave men, and Bernie became a proud Marine. He served his country as an airplane mechanic. One day in 1952, while stationed at El Toro Marine Base near Ocean View, California, a beautiful young woman walked into his life. He was smitten and in 1955 in Pima, Arizona, Bernie was united in marriage to former Norma Lee Peel in a beautiful wedding ceremony at Rose of Lima Catholic Church. After his honorable discharge, Bernie & Lee settled back in Michigan and built their life together focused on raising their family, working hard and dedicating their lives to their church.

To support his family, a production welder by trade, Bernie started his career working for Michigan Fleet. He soon took a position with the City of Grand Rapids working with the road commission in the fabricating department. He was instrumental on various bridge construction and repair projects. In 1993 after close to 30 years with the City, he retired.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Bernie was an active member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Involved in so many capacities, if there was a need Bernie was frequently found assisting, most notably he facilitated the Novena on Tuesdays. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was the chef for all their events. From their weekly Lenten fish fries to their sponsorship events for Special Olympics, Bernie the one at the stove.

His talents in the kitchen will be missed by his family. His impressive collection of spices and tried and true recipes are treasured keepsakes. His coleslaw and golumpki were family favorites, but Bernie’s Amazing Beans recipe is legendary!

With his military experience, there was instilled a love of planes, especially for the F4U Corsair. If there was an airshow he loved to take his family, especially when the types of planes he worked on were showcased.

Bernie also loved to bowl. Over the years there were countless leagues, and his kids will remember him teaching them his style of “pushing the suitcase” or the ball down the alley. However, and most importantly, Bernie will be remembered for being a man devoted to his family and faith. His smile, laughter and presence will be missed by all.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lee; his children: Diana (Greg) Wiseman, Ronald (Jackie) Zawistowski, Brenda (Paul Vandermeulen) Fischer and Janet (John) Fischer; his grandchildren: Brian (Amanda Jo Ashbough) Lowe, Rachael (Neil) Witkowski, Jessica (Nick) Cote, Lauryn, Lynda & Michael Zawistowski, Nathaniel (Ryan Tubbs) Fischer, Colin (Elizabeth) Fischer, Hanah (Matt) Vandermeulen, Jason (Lisa) Fischer, Emily (Doug) Dang and Alisha (Jake) Parr; 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, and his sisters: Betty Jean Gallant, Rose Martin, Pat Lewendowski and Phyllis (Ray) VanderWeele as well as many other relatives.

Besides his parents, Bernie was preceded in death by his siblings: Ann, Rita, Cecelia, Regina, Nettie, Al and Gerry.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday June 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Parish; 224 Carrier St. NE, Grand Rapids where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations in memory of Bernie may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.