Obituary of Butch Jakowczk
Age 88, of Mt. Morris, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Genesee Gardens. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am, Friday, October 13, 2023, at SS Charles and Helena Catholic Church. Rev Fr. Kenneth Coughlin to officiate, with burial to follow at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. Leonard’s family will be present to receive friends from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services. A Knights of Columbus and 3rd Degree ceremony will take place at the funeral home at 6:00 pm, on Thursday evening. On Friday morning, Leonard will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Leonard’s tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.
Leonard “Butch” was born in Flint on July 28, 1935, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter and Martha (Koryciak) Jakowczk. Leonard was a skilled Millwright and started his career at General Motors where he worked for 44 years until his retirement in 2001. Butch married his beautiful wife, Lorna Bowns, on May 19, 1956. Sadly, she preceded him in death on November 12, 2005. Butch then met Alice May LaBelle in 2008 and the two were united in marriage on April 18, 2009. Sadly, she also preceded him in death on April 8, 2023. Butch was a member of the UAW local #599 and also belonged to the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree #0524. He has been a devoted member of SS Charles and Helena Catholic Church for many years. Butch was a member of Dom Polski and enjoyed polka dancing with his beloved wife, Alice. Butch was well known for his part in organizing the Genesee County Little League Baseball as well as his part in volunteering much of his time working as an umpire. To say he had a love for sports would be an understatement. He enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers every chance he got and was an avid U of M Football fan.
Leonard is survived by his daughters: Tamara Chapman, and Shawn Jakowczk; granddaughter, Brandy; 6 stepchildren: Roberta Hoover, Elliott Hoover, Jr., Larry Hoover, Valerie Smith, Gayle and husband, Scott Van Singel; great-grandsons: Logan and Ryker; many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Butch was preceded in death by his first wife, Lorna; second wife, Alice; son-in-law, Michael Chapman; stepson, Dennis Hoover; siblings: Wallace, Marcella, and JoAnne, Dorothy, Patricia, Mary Ann.