Gene (Eugene) Mitchell Jozwiak, Jr, of St. Peters, Missouri, died on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the age of 76. Loving husband to Maria (Dzierzawski) for 49 years; cherished son of the late Eugene Mitchell, Sr. and Lorraine Jozwiak (Stankowski); devoted father to Gene “Geno” (Leslie), Lana, and Mitchel (Dawn); and proud grandfather of Addison, Ashley, and Jackie.
Additionally, Gene is survived by his brother Daniel (Penny) Jozwiak and sister Phyllis (Thomas) May, aunt and Godmother Irene Landowski, Godson Tom May, Goddaughter Melissa Jozwiak Lagemann, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gene served his country as a radio code specialist in the U.S. Army, stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, during the Vietnam Conflict. He received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Marksman Medal; he was honorably discharged in 1971. After his service in the military, he worked at TWA for 28 years, finishing his career in St. Louis as a supervisor.
Gene was raised in Chicago where he spent his days playing baseball, basketball, and football and his love for sports continued into adulthood as a loyal fan of Chicago sports teams, cheering on the Cubs and Bears through all of their highs and lows. He shared his love of sports with his family, and Lana fondly remembers snacking on Cracker Jacks with her dad at Wrigley Field.
Gene’s love of golf began as a teenager when he worked as a caddy at a golf course near his home in Chicago. Throughout his life, the golf course would become one of his favorite places to both work and play, and many of his retirement days were enjoyed working part time at golf courses near his home. When he wasn’t on the golf course, he enjoyed working in his yard and garden.
His children remember his great sense of humor. He loved making those around him laugh, family poker nights, and every opportunity to get on the dance floor, especially if the band played oldies or a polka.
Gene loved Italian food and sweets. He began his day with Chips Ahoy! cookies and a cup of coffee and was known to keep a stash of Hershey's Kisses in the refrigerator.
Most of all, Gene believed in savoring sweet moments, finding time for what he loved, and making time for those he loved. He is greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to create a scholarship in Gene’s name to be awarded to a student who shares his love of both education and golf:
E.M. Jozwiak Scholarship Fund
Bank of Old Monroe
PO Box 188
Old Monroe, MO 63369
A private service will be held post-pandemic.