Kerri Kowalczyk

The gates of heaven opened their doors for another precious angel, Kerri Jo Kowalczyk, September 16th, 2021. Kerri was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from Grandville Highschool in 1992. She went on to attend Grand Valley State University as well as Davenport University and spent her life enjoying everything that West Michigan has to offer before making a move to Stanwood, MI in 2017 to live the best of her life boating on the Hardy Dam. Kerri is survived by her parents, Vaughn and Del Rae Lanser, brother Casey (Jessica) Lanser of Trinity, FL and her beloved nephew Weston. Grandparents, Les (Ramona) Lanser and grandmother, Millie Lanser, Companion, Jim Bertich and daughter, Hazel Bertich, Father in law, Lawerance John Kowalczyk, Sister in Law Julie (Tim) Wiley, niece Samantha Sage, nephews Jim (Shayna Thomas) Sage, and Nick Sage. Brother-in-law Mike (Dawn) Kowalczyk, Sister-in-law Michelle (Brian) Kowalczyk and kids, stepson Cody (Melanie) Kowalczyk and grandchildren Kenzington and Keagon as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that included her long time best friend, Shari Mertz. She is preceded in death by her husband Larry Kowalczyk. After 17 years of marriage and one year apart, they are reunited looking over t he Hardy Dam Family together once again. Kerri will be remembered for her infectious smile, witty humor, holiday recipes, and always being ready for a boat ride. Heaven has gotten an upgrade today as Kerri carried with her the biggest heart, always willing to help down to her very last day. She has joined the heavens to spread her wings to fly and watch over everyone whose lives she has touched. Though this loss has hit so many, there is peace knowing that with her heart full and pain vanished she is looking down on us all smiling. She will be remembered by so many at a passing glimpse of water or a float on the Hardy Dam because as she always said “Life is always better on the river”. We ask that any flowers or donations be made to the Betty Ford Cancer Center to help breast cancer research, screening, treatment, and education. A private celebration of life will be held for close friends and family and will be announced at a late date.