Mike Karwowski (age 62)
September 8, 2024
Michael James Karwowski, 62, of Hamtramck, MI, passed away on September 8, 2024, after a brave, two-year battle with esophageal cancer.
Michael was born in April 1962 to Eugene and Maria Karwowski. After Michael graduated from Hamtramck High School, he continued to live his life in Hamtramck. He spent his adult years helping run his family’s business, Lili’s 21, in Hamtramck, a world-renowned rock n’ roll bar. He was also an amateur magician, and a collector of penguin figures. Michael loved spending his free time at Detroit’s Belle Isle soaking up the sun. He also cherished spending time with his many loving friends and family.
Michael is survived by his four brothers, Art (Christine), Stephen (Carol), Christopher and Alan (Suzanne). He was a beloved Uncle to Brad, Matteus, and Helen Sterling. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene, and mother, Maria (Lili) Karwowski.
Visitation
Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 2 – 9 PM Rosary 7 PM
Jurkiewicz & Wilk Funeral Home (map)
2396 Caniff
Hamtramck MI 48212
Funeral service
Friday, September 13, 2024
Lying in state at 9:30 AM until time of funeral mass at 10 AM.
Rev. Fr. John Bustamante, Pastor, presiding
Assumption Grotto Catholic Church (map)
13770 Gratiot
Detroit MI 48205
My sincerest condolences to your family. May all the wonderful memories bring some comfort and peace. Thinking of all of you. Love, Christine
Lili’s 21 was a huge part of my life even before I moved to Hamtramck. Then when I became a “misfit among misfits” resident and regular, it was my home away from home. Our Mike (or “Mickaroo” as I always called him) was the sweetest, kindest and most sensitive bartender. He was also that way outside ot his job. Oh what a time we all had bonding at that “sacred space.” Traumas, dramas, weddings (my own included), hookups, breakups, and so much LIFE was lived in that place. There’s a magical bond amongst those of us who frequented “our bar” that time and even death can’t erase. Michael fought bravely and without complaint. He maintained his faith, dignity and love for his friends and family. Our hearts are broken, but our Mike wouldn’t want us to be sad for long. He always loved to laugh and let’s honor him by eventually being able to smile and even laugh when we remember him. If there is truly an afterlife, his spirit is in good company. Love to all of you who loved “Mickaroo.” —Laura Bredeson
Our condolences to the family. Mikey was a cherished soul and loved by many. May he rest in eternal peace!
Prayers for him and his family! ✝️
Dennis and Margie Ohryn
I am sad beyond words. Please accept my sincere condolence for the loss of Mikey. Hewill always be remembered as the sweet youngest son of Lilly
I had the honor of sharing a home with Mike on Faber for a decade. He was the best housemate and neighbor I’ve ever had and he’ll be missed terribly.
Thank you Mike for all the laughs and good songs. I truly enjoyed working with you and I’m grateful I knew you for the past 4 and 1/2 years. Rest peacefully. ❤️
We(we all)are blessed, thankful and grateful Mikey passed through our life…
Very fortunate to have met the True and Earnest Mikey before cell phones and Facebook made people unsociable, uncaring, deceitful and insincere.
Mikey was the complete opposite.
Mikey always treated:
“Everyone” with respect, compassion and wholeheartedly,
We(we all)are blessed, thankful and grateful Mikey passed through our life.
Mikey always treated “Everyone” with respect, compassion and wholeheartedly.
No matter what, who you are and who you weren’t…
“THE WORLD(we) LOST ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS…”
WE LOVE YOU, WE MISS YOU…