Gordon Michael Jackowski

Gordon Michael Jackowski passed away peacefully with his family by his side August 31, 2026. Quick to laugh, Mike was a gentle soul with “big paws” ready for work and fun alike.

Gordon “Mike” was born on March 25, 1937, in Green Lake, WI to Michael and Julia (Kasierski) Jackowski. The youngest of five children, Mike knew the value of hard work and never strayed from a challenge, especially if tools and motors were involved.

Gordy graduated from Markesan High School in 1955 and worked various jobs prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1958. During his tour of service, he dated Colleen Foley of Dalton, WI on his occasional leaves.

They first met in 1955, when both were in high school, at the Kingston Park outdoor free movie, followed by a trip to the ice cream parlor. They continued dating while Mike was in the Air Force and Colleen in nursing school. Mike and Colleen were married April 29, 1961, in Kingston at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. This year they celebrated 65 years of marriage that was a true partnership founded on faith, love and mutual dreams drawing on each other’s strengths. The newlyweds settled in Fond du Lac, WI, where they raised their family and spent their careers.

Mike’s natural talents extended beyond his academic work and service career. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force on January 31st, 1963, Mike worked at Brenner Tank followed by Mercury Marine. He was able to use his engineering capabilities and expand his love for motors by test piloting new motor lines for Mercury. Mike was a true craftsman. He learned and mastered welding, construction and the occasional plumbing and electrical jobs.

During these years, Mike also earned his private pilot’s license. Saturday morning was family flying time. We all loved the flying adventures in the two and four-seater prop planes. EAA was Dad’s favorite season to stand in the street and call out make, model, and engine size of planes sometimes flying low enough to read their tail numbers.

Mike loved being behind the wheel no matter the vehicle, cars, boats, planes, snowmobiles, motorcycles or tractors. He was always willing to pull a skier or take a quick motorcycle or snowmobile ride. He had one speed “fast”, and he was always present and participating. In his later years, tractors were Mike’s favorite pastime, especially after retiring from Giddings and Lewis in Fond du Lac in 1998.

Upon their retirements, Mike and Colleen moved from their home in Fond du Lac to the North Woods of Wisconsin – the town of Lake Tomahawk and their home on Hodstradt Lake. Mike always referred to their home Up North as his “little slice of Heaven”. He loved his lake community of friends and family. He valued the sense of loyalty, togetherness, and the sense of belonging he and Colleen felt there. They were surrounded by lifelong friends in a place where family always wanted to visit.

Mike’s willingness to help others with patience and kindness was reflected in his actions, much louder than his quiet, mild-mannered demeanor. Above all, Mike was humble and positive. His Kool Aid glass and bowl of Rice Krispies were always half-full.

Mike is survived by his wife Colleen; his three children Steve Jackowski (Sharon), Ann Czabala (Dave) and Jeff Jackowski; and his three grandchildren Sam Czabala, Meg Olson (Sam) and Eric Jackowski (Shelby). He was preceded in death by his parents Mike and Julia Jackowski; brothers Longen (Angie), Eugene (Leone), Harold (Ruth), and his sister Virginia Burns (Thomas).

Gordon’s family invites friends and relatives to a time of visitation on Friday, September 11, 2026 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 177 W Pearl St., Kingston, WI 53939 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following the visitation at 11:00 AM. Gordon will be laid to rest in the Markesan Memorial Cemetery.

Gordon’s family would like to offer our deepest gratitude to the staff at the Manor at the Meadows in Fond du Lac. Their kindness and respect were evident in Gordon’s extraordinary care. We also offer our gratitude to Moments Hospice Care, who along with the Manor staff guided us with compassion and dignity through Dad’s final days. We are eternally grateful for this blessing.

Zacherl Funeral Home in Fond du Lac is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite cause in Mike’s name.