Irene Rose Grochowski

Irene Rose Grochowski died peacefully on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Davison Care Home in Alpena. She was 98 years old. Born on May 12, 1924 to Andrew and Nellie Kolson, Irene attended St. Mary’s School followed by Alpena High School, graduating in 1942. While in high school, Irene was employed by McCrory’s. She then worked for Consumers Power until 1944.

On July 10, 1944, just prior to his military assignment during World War II, Irene married Chester Grochowski. She traveled by train to join him in Salinas, CA, where she worked graphing research results for the Guayule Rubber Experiment Station. She then worked at the PX Office until the base closed in 1946. Once back in Alpena, Irene began her role as a homemaker. She volunteered in the St. Anne’s reading program and with girl scout events. She was an avid reader and skilled seamstress. She enjoyed days at their Grand Lake Cottage, playing cards with family and friends, bowling, and, most of all, spending time with family.

Irene is survived by her children: Tom, of Casper, WY, John (Janet), Bob (Carol), Deb (Mike) Wojda all of Alpena, and Nancy (Scott) Oostindie of Kentwood, MI; Nine grandchildren: Stephanie (Tim) Couture, Eric (Jennifer) Grochowski, Karen Grochowski, Sarah (Chip) Lukes, Matthew Wojda, Mark (Melissa)Wojda, Luke (Cassie) Oostindie, Amy (Mark) Koehler, and Aaron Oostindie: and by 13 great-grandchildren: Sadie, Caden, and Mia Couture; Riley, Kenyson, and Kestyn Grochowski; Carter and Olive Lukes; Ziggy Wojda; Carter and Harper Oostindie; and Macy, Arie, and Navy Koehler; a brother-in-law: David (Lillian Grochowski); and 27 nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband of 71 years, Chet, infant son David, daughter-in-law Kathy (Tom) Grochowski, her siblings Andrew Kolson, Julia Keller, Helen Nettleton, and Florence Snyder.

Mrs. Grochowski is at the Karpus Hunter & Ross Funeral Home where visitation will take place Sunday, April 2 from 3-6 p.m. with a parish prayer service at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Anne’s Church of All Saints Parish on Monday, April 3 at 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Fr. Tyler Bischoff. Memorials: Hospice of Michigan, Sunrise Mission. Online Condolences may be registered at www.karpushuntercares.com