Gary Francis Jozwiak

With heavy hearts, we announce Gary Francis Jozwiak of Fountain Hills, AZ (and previously of Midland, MI) passed away peacefully at age 86 on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Dolores Ann Jozwiak of Fountain Hills, AZ; and children Debbie Jozwiak of Fountain, Hills, AZ; Dawn (Mark) Kuipers of Bellevue, WA; Dana (John) Basilico of Macomb Township, MI; and Greg (Holly) Jozwiak of Fredericksburg, TX. Additionally, he is survived by seven grandchildren: David (Kristin) Lyons of San Diego, CA; Mackenzie (Luca) Perer of London, England; Jonnie Kuipers of Bothell, WA; Nicole (Taylor) Floyd of Fort Worth, TX; Bryan (Emily) Basilico of Washington Township, MI; Brent Jozwiak of Boerne, TX; and Alexa Jozwiak of Bozeman, MT. Gary and Dolores were also blessed with seven great grandchildren. Gary is also survived by his brother Bernard (Gail) Jozwiak and sister Alice (Ambrose) Panero. Gary is preceded in death by his parents Octave and Edith Jozwiak; brother Roger (Marian) Jozwiak; sister Joyce (Charles) Lalonde; and brother John Jozwiak. Gary was born November 11, 1938, in Midland, MI as the youngest of six children. He grew up in Midland, MI, excelling in sports and enjoyed playing alongside his future brother-in-law, Oscar Hahn. After graduating from Midland High School, Gary attended the University of Wyoming on a full-ride football scholarship playing running back for the Cowboys. Gary was proud to earn an undergraduate degree in mathematics, often sharing that he only had the opportunity by receiving a football scholarship. Later, he also achieved a master’s degree in mathematics. Upon graduation from Wyoming in 1961, Gary and his wife Dolores, along with their three daughters moved to Atascadero, CA for his first teaching and coaching jobs. Not long after in 1964, he returned to Midland, MI and joined the Midland Public Schools as a mathematics teacher at Midland High School. Gary became an assistant football coach for the legendary head coach Bob Stoppert. He also coached junior varsity baseball prior to moving on to coach track and field. Gary eventually became head coach at Midland High School for both football and track & field. In his 24 years as head coach of the MHS Chemic football program before retiring in 1998, Gary compiled a record of 178 wins and 59 losses including seven undefeated regular seasons, becoming the winningest coach in Saginaw Valley League history. During his coaching tenure, these teams claimed 10 SVL conference titles, 3 MHSAA regional championships, and 2 state runners-up (1990 and 1997). Gary was selected as the Regional Football Coach of the Year nine times and SVL conference coach of the year several times. In 1996, he was honored as the State Coach of the year. In 1993-94, he was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame and Midland County Sports HoF. While coaching track & field for 31 years, Gary led his teams to a record of 192 wins, 28 loses and 2 ties. They also won eight conference titles and four MHSAA regional championships. Gary treasured his loving wife, Dolores. Her unwavering support was a source of energy for the whole family. She became a teacher at Bullock Creek Elementary while working together as a “team” to raise their four children. After Gary and Dolores retired in 1998, they split time between Fountain Hills, AZ in the Winter and enjoyed living close to Midland on Sanford Lake, MI. In addition to spending time with his children and grandchildren, he continued to support Chemic football and nearby Merdian Mustangs football. Gary thrived on helping students and athletes challenge themselves to achieve the most they could in the classroom, on the field and in life. Additionally, he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with fellow coaches that became close friends. Gary had a love for fishing that included annual trips with friends to his father’s camp in Canada and several trips to Wyoming. Gary passed on his passion and skills for fishing to his children and especially grandchildren. A celebration of life event is being planned for later this year in Midland, MI to be announced. Those interested in making a memorial donation in Gary’s name may consider the Midland High School Athletic Booster Club at www.chemicboosters.com