Roskowski, Alex L. MSM, SSG US Army Airforce, of Chelsea, MI, August 22, 1924 - January 4, 2021, age 96, Husband, proud Father, Lifelong Mentor, and Adventurer.
Alex was born in Flint, MI on August 22, 1924, the son of Michael and Angeline (Stark) Roskowski. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Louis, sisters Stella (Rock) and Alice (Parsnik), along with the love of his life, Shirley (Peterson), who passed away in the spring of 2020. Survivors include their children, Terry Roskowski, Michael (Loretta) Roskowski, Lynne Roskowski-Farley, Karin Ross, Al (Kim) Roskowski, and Ken Roskowski; grandchildren, Alexander, Laura (John Nuttall), Sean, Joel, Kali; and great-grandchildren, Andrew and Zelia.
Alex graduated from Flint Northern High School and later achieved a degree in Electrical Engineering through GM. During this time he began to woo Shirley at the roller rink, however, that was interrupted by a call to service. He proudly served in WWII, crewing in B-26 bombers as Turret Gunner/Engineer in the 556th Bomb Squadron, which was assigned to the 387th Bombardment Group in Europe. Alex flew 72 successful missions over France and Germany, though only conscripted to fly 26, achieving rank of Staff Sergeant. After returning from service, Alex continued to court Shirley, impressing her with his improved roller skating skills which he perfected at every rink in Europe he could scout out during the war. On September 6, 1948, they began their nearly 72-year marriage at All Saints Catholic Church in Flint.
Initially residing in Flint, in 1961, they established permanent roots on North Lake in Chelsea. For over 30 years, Alex worked for the University of Michigan as a Chief Radio Engineer for WUOM on Peach Mountain. He also worked for over 30 years for Warren Porath Construction, building many of the houses in the Chelsea area. For 60 years, he regularly attended St. Mary Catholic Church. Alex loved all types of dancing, golfing, hunting and fishing—as well as sharing with his children and grandchildren his many technical and building skills, hard work ethic, and “willingness to try anything at least once” attitude. To his family and friends, he was an amazing role model about life, love, and happiness. His marriage to his beloved wife, Shirley, could be modeled into a book called, “How It’s Done.” Most will remember him holding hands with her, a sparkle in their eyes, smiles on their faces, and nothing but love in their hearts. During the winter months, he and Shirley resided in Hudson, FL, where he loved to golf, attend concerts at Busch Gardens, and explore the world with his best gal by his side.
The family will miss his laughter, his vast knowledge, and amazing sense of adventure every single day. We can only imagine that he has gone to a place of shiny dance floors to share with Shirley, lakes with wall-to-wall fish, and, of course, endless cups of hot coffee with his three favorite types of pie… hot, cold, and… more pie!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. the same day at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the B-26 Marauder Historical Society, 3900 E. Timrod St., Tucson, AZ, 85711-4170, St. Mary Catholic Church, or the Herbert J. McKune American Legion Post 31. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Click here to watch his Mass
For both Alex and Shirley Roskowski, an outdoor Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, September 4, 2021, at North Lake, with a military fly over at 3:00 p.m.
