Wilbur E. Jankowski

Wilbur E. Jankowski, 73, of Petoskey, died May 9, 2023, at his home with family by his side.

Wilbur was born on October 26, 1949, in Hamtramck, Michigan, one of nine children of Phillip and Lillian (Carlson) Jankowski. At age 9, the family moved to Boyne Falls, Michigan.

In 1967, he joined the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1969.

Upon his return to northern Michigan, he worked at various places including Glass Alternatives, Petoskey Plastics, EK Hydraulics, maintenance on several homes in Bay Harbor, and as a building contractor. There were few things Wilbur didn’t try over the course of his life.

He was a sharp shooter in the Army which served him well during deer hunting. He loved being in the woods and had an internal clock counting down the days until Opening Day of deer season. He was always fixing motors, tinkering in the garage, starting a new project, and spending time with his friends at JW Fillmores. He loved to go camping and traveling with his wife, Carol.

He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America.

He is survived by his daughters, Kelly Weller of Petoskey and Jaime (Sean) Brants of Petoskey; grandchildren, Coy, Tatum, and Fox Weller; sisters, Phyllis (the late Richard Sr.) Marchinkewicz, Mildred Florenski, and Helen (James Sr.) McGinn; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as countless close friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Mary Kucharek, Betty Ann Gensen, Delores Jankowski, Phillip Jankowski, Jr., and David Jankowski; a nephew, Steven Jankowski; and two nieces, Nancy Kucharek and Delia Gensen.

There will be a visitation at Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey on Monday, May 15, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Boyne Falls on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Father Denny Stilwell will officiate.

Wilbur will be laid to rest beside his wife at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

The Jankowski family suggests memorial donations to McLaren Hospice in his memory. 

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