Eugene Peter Wozniak

Born on August 1, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to his devoted parents, Peter and Emilia Wozniak, Gene lived a life defined by faith, service, positivity, humor, and unwavering love for his family.

If you asked Gene how he was doing, no matter the day or circumstance, his answer was never short of enthusiastic: “Fantastic, wonderful, marvelous if I felt any better I’d have to be twins!” If someone asked how he was feeling, he’d grin and reply, “With both hands.” He was always ready with a corny joke, and if it didn’t quite land, he would chuckle and say, “No good?” before laughing at his own punchline. Gene believed wholeheartedly that you “only get one go around” in this world and that you had better laugh along the way. His optimism was more than a response it was a philosophy. His coffee cup proudly read “Mr. Wonderful,” and to those who loved him, he truly was.

Gene proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy. He cherished the lifelong friendships he formed during his service and looked forward to Navy reunions, where stories were shared, memories relived, and bonds strengthened once again. His patriotism and love for his fellow veterans remained an important part of his life.

A deeply devout man, Gene was a longtime and faithful parishioner of St. Valentine’s Church of Redford. His dedication to his faith was evident in his daily life and in his service to the parish community. He volunteered tirelessly as an usher, served as treasurer, and assisted as an altar server. It was not uncommon to find him at church multiple times a week, always ready to lend a helping hand and serve wherever needed.

Gene’s work ethic was equally admirable. He often said his favorite job was being a milkman, a role that allowed him to connect with people in a simple and meaningful way. He later continued his career with the United States Postal Service, from which he retired. Retirement suited him well he embraced it fully, especially the freedom to pack up the car at a moment’s notice and head off on a road trip, most often to Florida, to visit family and dear friends.

He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: golfing under blue skies, tending to his garden, making homemade jam, hunting and fishing at the family cabin in Portland, Michigan, and always keeping himself busy in service to others. Whether on the golf course or in his backyard, Gene approached everything with enthusiasm and gratitude.

Above all, Gene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. He shared an especially close bond with his siblings, whom he loved dearly. Though he was preceded in death by his four siblings, the closeness they shared remained one of the great blessings of his life. Because of those strong family ties, he was a proud and loving uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, with whom he maintained close and cherished relationships. He looked forward every year to the August family reunion picnic and golf outing held around his birthday where the entire family would gather to celebrate together. Those reunions brought him tremendous joy and were among his most treasured traditions.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce Wozniak; his three cherished children, Janell Thompson, Carol Brotherton, and Mark Wozniak; his granddaughter, Megan Wozniak, who passed away as a baby and was the youngest of his grandchildren; and his four siblings. Though he carried the sorrow of these losses, he did so with grace, faith, and enduring strength.

He leaves behind a loving legacy in his nine grandchildren: Eric Thompson, Christopher Thompson, Jeffrey (Michelle) Thompson, Paul (Michelle) Wozniak, Justin (Donna) Brotherton, Michael Brotherton, Katherine Wozniak, Robert (Jacqui) Brotherton, and Samantha Brotherton. He was the proud great-grandfather of eleven, each of whom brought him immense joy. His family was his greatest blessing, and he was theirs.

Gene found joy in every corner of life and in every person he encountered. He was genuine, kind, hardworking, steadfast in his faith, and full of laughter. His spirit so bright, humorous, and full of gratitude will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Scripture service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with in-state beginning at 10:00 a.m., at St. Valentine’s Church of Redford. Gene will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery following the Mass.

In honor of Gene’s favorite color and his vibrant spirit, guests are encouraged to wear purple.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Though we say goodbye for now, we can almost hear him still smiling and reminding us all he’s “Fantastic.”