George “Lefty” Rozek, 78, of Fennville passed away Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at Holland Hospital.
Born June 20, 1940, in Harvey, Ill., and raised in the southside of Chicago, he was the son of the late Paul Joseph and Lona (Johnson) Rozek. At the age of 12 he began caddying for golfers which started his love for the game. He had also played football in high school.
Mr. Rozek met the love of his life Patricia Dennison in 1959, and they wed on Sept. 30, 1961. In the late 1970’s he was the last dealer who owned a Clark Super 100 Gas Station in South Holland, Ill. After moving to Michigan, he acquired the Mighty Midget Convenience Store in 1978 and worked there until his retirement in 2014.
Mr. Rozek was a lifetime member of the Catholic Church, having attended both St. Peter’s in Douglas and Blessed Sacrament in Allegan. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed playing golf, pool, softball and bowling and umpiring baseball. Playing little league baseball as a left-handed pitcher, he earned his nickname “Lefty,” which seemed to stick with him the rest of his life.
Mr. Rozek was a dedicated, hardworking man, but also loved to goof around with his kids and grandkids whenever he was able.
In addition to his wife of 56 years, Mr. Rozek is survived by his daughters, Carolyn (James) Obuchowski, Cheryl Rozek and Cathy Haas; brothers, Paul Rozek and Donald Rozek; grandchildren, Trevor Haas (Ashley Nichols), Chelsey Haas and Joey (Emma) Haas; great-grandchildren, Zyonn Houser and Eloise Haas; and many nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Kay Clauson and David Rozek; and his sister-in-law, Louise Rozek.
The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Sunday, Feb. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary being recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Douglas, with The Very Reverend Fabio Garzon, V.F. officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hearing Loss Association of America, OAK Chapter, 2122 Health Drive Southwest, Wyoming, MI 49519; or to the American Diabetes Association, 1550 E. Beltline SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
Assisting the Rozek family with arrangements is Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
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