George Lukowski, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on July 4, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on February 3, 1930, in Gostyn, Poland, to the late Walter and Joanne Lukowski, George was the eldest of five brothers and one sister in a close-knit, hardworking family.
George’s early years were marked by resilience and determination. In 1939, at the tender age of nine, the Nazi invasion of Poland disrupted his education, but his parents ensured he continued learning, hiring a professor to teach him advanced math skills. By the age of 12, George was proficient in college-level mathematics.
In 1944, at 14, George’s life was upended when his family was forcibly taken to a German labor camp. Despite the loss of everything his parents had worked for, the family remained together, a rare blessing. They worked in a German manufacturing plant until their liberation by the American army in June 1945, a day George would always remember with joy.
After the war, George and his family lived in a displaced persons camp in Wieden, Germany, where he resumed his education, graduating from a Polish technical high school in 1949. In 1950, seeking a new life, George’s family immigrated to the United States, settling in Detroit, Michigan, with the help of St. Albertus Church.
Between 1951 and 1953, George gained valuable experience working in various manufacturing plants.
In 1953, George was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. His linguistic skills in Polish, English, and German led him to serve in Germany. In June 1954, he proudly became a United States citizen.
In 1955 he married his beloved wife of 64 years, the late Lucille (Kokowicz) Lukowski, with whom he shared five children. They met at a Polish dance and corresponded through letters during his time in the service. They loved to dance and travel together, and took care of each other.
George’s commitment to education continued as he attended night school at the Detroit College of Applied Science, graduating in 1961 with a degree in Production Engineering and Management. In 1962, he co-founded Yarema Die & Engineering, growing the company into a respected supplier for major automotive companies. The company expanded to over 320,000 square feet with more than 150 employees, always upholding a commitment to respecting and supporting their workforce. He was also an entrepreneur with Techweld, Stomil, Sterling Industries, and real estate.
George was deeply involved in his Polish heritage and community, supporting many causes and businesses. He proudly served as the Grand Marshal of the Hamtramck Polish Day Parade. A longtime active member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, George valued his faith and the community it provided.
A sociable and positive man, George was a lifetime member of Red Run Golf Club, where he spent much of his time playing golf and Gin Rummy with his friends. His shelves were filled with trophies from various tournaments.
George’s impact on the world was profound. He worked tirelessly, believed passionately in his causes, and brought joy to his family through cherished traditions and celebrations. Known for his generosity and golden heart, George’s legacy of resilience, hard work, and dedication to his family and community will be remembered by all who knew him.
George is preceded in death by his wife Lucille (Kokowicz) Lukowski, and daughter Camille Quartuccio. He is survived by his children, Gloria Blair, Georgine (Les) Miller, Christine (Jeff) Dorr, and George (Jennifer) Lukowski; grandchildren, Chasen and Brett Blair, Jeremy (Jenna) Miller, Alyssa Miller, Lauren, Julia, and Luke Dorr, and George, Isabella, and Alexandra Lukowski; great-grandson, Grayson Miller; and brother, Kaz Lukowski. His enduring spirit and values live on through them.
Kondolencje od ZHP, Michigan
W imieniu Obwodu ZHP na stan Michigan (i własnym), chciałam złożyć wyrazy współczucia rodzinie i najbliższym przyjaciołom G. Łukowskiego.
Nie wiem jak ta dobra dusza trafiła do naszej organizacji, ale za wiele lat wsparcia, przyjaźni i uśmiechów – dziękujemy!
W 1989 r., na 25. lecie Białowieży, p. George zafundował nam nowe maszty. Pamiętam jak przyjechałam na Białowieżę a tu trzy ogromne maszty z ogromnymi flagami, które pięknie powiewały tak wysoko!
George Łukowski zawsze był na naszych bankietach ku czci Niepodległość Polski- raz mnie zawołał i powiedział, żeby następnym razem było lepsze wino… czy żeby nie zabrakło wina i od tamtego czasu, dzięki George’owi, było wystarczająco dobrego wina na bankietach…. został naszym sponsorem!.
Będziemy pamiętać George’a Łukowskiego jako uśmiechniętego, miłego, spokojnego, pełenego dobrych rad Przyjaciela harcerskiej braci!
Niech dusza śp. George’a spoczywa w pokoju wiecznym! CZUWAJ!
dhna. Teresa Wiącek, hm