Anthony A. Jakubowski

Anthony A. “Tony” Jakubowski, 66, of St. Joseph, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer, Thursday, September 15, 2016 at his home, with his family at his side.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 24, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Court & Market Streets, St. Joseph, with Rev. Michael Roth officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Friday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran School Music Dept. or Hospice at Home.  Those wishing to sign Tony’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.   Tony was born June 8, 1950 in Benton Harbor to Alexander & Irene (Pawlowski) Jakubowski. He attended St. Joseph Catholic Schools, graduated from Coloma High School Class of 1969, and attended Lake Michigan College.  Tony served his country in the US Navy during the Vietnam War.  On August 17, 1974, he married the former Brigitte Klank at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph.  Tony was a master of furniture and antique restoration, practicing his trade for more that forty-five years in the area.  He was a member of the Studebaker Drivers Club in South Bend, FOP Lodge #96 in St. Joseph, and Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity.  He enjoyed antiquing, showing his restorations at Antiques on the Bluff and showing his Studebaker at local shows.    Tony is survived by his wife Brigitte; his daughter Stephanie (Michael) Brewer of Grand Rapids two grandsons-Bryan & Jack Brewer; his brother Thomas Jakubowski of Chicago; his mother-in-law Ella Klank of St. Joseph; two brothers-in-law-Erich (Sandi) Klank of St. Joseph & Gerd (Barbara Baldwin) Klank of Coloma; numerous nieces & nephews; his canine companion Lucy; and friends too numerous to mention. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Alfred Klank, and a special uncle & aunt Stephen & Shirley Pawlowski.