Joseph K Borowicz, born on November 3, 1949, went to be with Jesus the morning of January 17, 2024. He had just spent a very special weekend with all of his family before entering eternity with his Savior. He died at his home with family by his side.

Joe is survived by many, many people who loved him dearly: his wife of 54 years, Jan; his children, Jason Borowicz and wife, Shannon, of Grand Haven, MI; son David Borowicz and wife, Christina, of White Lake MI; daughter, Kate Betancourt and husband, Art, of Ada, MI; daughter Suzanne Simmons and husband, Roman, of Wyoming, MI. His fourteen grandchildren were one of his greatest joys: Elijah, Isla, Mary, Cruz, Ava, Solei, Julie, Roc, Roman, Benson, Taliah, Anders, Rio, Oakley.

His parents, who preceded him, were Jozef D. Borowicz and Velma Jean Griffith Cottrell.

Joe had many special friends. Three that his family want to give a special thanks to are Dave Larson, Rick DeHaan, and Dave Knorr. These men regularly, during the final leg Joe's journey with Parkinson's disease, called, visited, and took him to lunch. He always enjoyed these times.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 3 at Open Bible Church, 3065 Alger St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546. Family will greet visitors from 10:00AM to 10:30AM with the service beginning at 10:30AM. A luncheon will be served at the church immediately following the service. Please bring your stories of Joe to share with one another. If you desire to send a gift in Joe's memory, please consider making a contribution to Our Daily Bread Ministries in lieu of flowers. Envelopes will be available at the service.

Joe was currently living in Wyoming, Michigan. He was raised in Toledo, OH. He lived in Grand Rapids, MI, where he moved in 1979 to attend Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Next, he lived in Coopersville, MI, where he pastored for over 20 years. After retirement from full-time ministry in 2008, he and Jan moved to St. Clair Shores, MI, then a move back to West Michigan in 2021 following Jan's retirement.

Joe was a Whitmer High School (Toledo) alum, then attended the University of Toledo where he earned an associate's degree in computer programming and a bachelor's degree in business administration. At Grand Rapids seminary, he was awarded a Master's of Divinity degree.

He accepted Christ as his Savior as a 22-year-old. Grace Baptist Church in Toledo, OH was his where he grew profoundly in his faith. He was always thankful for the many people he learned from here. Lou Regnier always held a special place in his heart as his mentor and a Godly example of servanthood.

After graduating from UT, Joe worked in Toledo for Owens Corning Glass, then as business manager for a petroleum distributor. Upon moving to Grand Rapids to attend seminary, he worked as a tax preparer and then was asked to apply as business manager for Grand Rapids Baptist Academy (Northpointe Christian) where he worked until he accepted a call to County Line Baptist Church in 1986 to serve as pastor. His ministry to the congregation of County Line filled his heart with delight. He was called from varying tasks from helping to get a cow back into pasture to preaching The Word each Sunday, to counseling those preparing to marry, to wedding ceremonies and funeral services, to sitting next to and praying with those facing sickness and tragedy, to leading youth groups on missionary trips, plus so many other opportunities to love on people and share the goodness of God.

During his college days, Joe discovered one of two of his hobbies, his love of preparing taxes. At first it was for family, then some friends, then friends of friends and family. From 1971 until 2020 he served thousands of people with their tax needs through his Tax Master business, but more importantly to him, he developed friendships with many of them; prayed with and counseled hundreds during their appointments to complete their 1040s. He became an expert in the difficult area of clergy taxes and had clients in 23 states.

His other hobby began as a child: bowling. He followed his dad into this lifelong activity. Before having to give up bowling in 2019, he rolled sixteen 300 games and had several 700 and 800 series. Again, though, as much as he enjoyed bowling, he cherished the opportunity to grow relationships during times with his friends on the lanes.

More than anything or any person, Joe loved his Lord with all of his heart, soul, mind and strength. His sense of humor is legendary. He lived a life of generosity - generous with material things, with love and with grace. Joe demonstrated these attributes even in the last days of this life.