Richard "Dick" Najdowski, age 92 of Manistee, Michigan died Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans in Grand Rapids, MI.

He was born on November 17, 1931 in Manistee, Michigan son of the late John and Cecelia (Sass) Najdowski.  He was a graduate of St. Joseph High School with the class of 1950. He was a member of the St. Joseph Brave's basketball team all four years of high school. After his graduation Dick was employed at Mercy Community Hospital as an X-Ray Technician until 1952.  He then entered the United States Army, serving as a corporal during the Korean War from July 25, 1952 until July 20, 1954.

Dick married Louise K. Kott on October 23, 1954 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee. They had celebrated over sixty-four years of marriage together, before Louise died on January 25, 2019. After his father's death in 1956, Richard "Dick" took over his father's business and owned and operated Najdowski Construction Company, until his retirement. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. Dick was an outdoors man and enjoyed hunting, deer, rabbits, squirrels and birds, he also liked to play cards, especially pinochle. Dick was a member of Divine Mercy Parish (St. Joseph Catholic Church) of Manistee, the Knights of Columbus Monsignor J. M. Steffes Council #853 of Manistee, the V.F.W. Post 4499 of Manistee, and the Manistee Catholic War Veterans Post # 1847.

He is survived by his children; Laurie Owens, Stephen (Debra) Najdowski and Cynthia (James) Smogoleski all of Manistee, MI and Paul Najdowski (Sandra Pierson) of Belmont, MI, seven grandchildren; Stephanie Smogoleski, Andrew Owens, Matthew (Michael) Owens, Allyson (Brian) Hayward, James (Danielle) Najdowski, Jennifer (Ajdin) Camaga, Jonathen Najdowski, two step-grandchildren, Rachel and Ashley,  one great granddaughter Lydia Louise Hayward, his sister and  brother-in-law, Jean and Patrick Teets of Grant, MI.  Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

He was preceded in death in addition to his parents, by his wife Louise K. Najdowski, his sister's and brother's in-law, Rosalie and Raymond Mack, Thersea and Robert Osborn, Carolyn and Gerald Gutowski and his brothers, David Najdowski and Monsignor John Najdowski.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11:00 am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend Michael Lingaur celebrant.  Burial will follow in Mount Carmel Cemetery, where the Manistee County United Veterans Council Ritual Squad will give graveside Military Honors.

Relatives, friends and the members of the Knights of Columbus, will pray the Evening Vigil Service at 8:00 pm, on Thursday evening, April 25, 2024 at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee. The family will receive friends at the Herbert Funeral Home, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Thursday evening and Friday morning from 10:00 am until leaving for the church, at 10:40 am. A memorial will be established in Dick's name for Manistee Catholic Central School Foundation or the Knights of Columbus. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.