Owner Pete Gawkowski passes away
Its with an extremely heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Pete Gawkowski, owner of the Muskegon Clippers.
Pete was more than just the heart of our organization, he was its soul. His love for the game, his commitment to our players, and his passion for bringing baseball to the Muskegon community touched everyone who knew him.
The Clippers family has lost a leader, mentor, and dear friend. His impact on this team and our community will never be forgotten.
Peter Thomas Gawkowski, age 74, passed away in Norton Shores, MI, on Monday, October 27, 2025. Pete was born on December 30, 1950, to Walter and Rose (Romsek) Gawkowski in Muskegon, MI, and he graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central High School. On June 19th, 1976, he married the former Rebecca Cronheim, and the two of them spent 49 wonderful years building their family together.
Pete worked hard in every aspect of life to provide and care for his family, whether it was working for his father at Gov’s Market, serving the country through the Army Reserves, or owning Subway franchises and also Gov’s Training Academy. Pete served on the board of Roosevelt Park Youth Athletics, Mona Shores baseball boosters and the Lakeshore Baseball Club. In 2012, he was inducted into the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame.
Enjoyment of life was visible in everything Pete did, with the bulk of his happiness coming from family, the community, and the sport of baseball. All three were resembled and demonstrated as the owner of the Muskegon Clippers summer-collegiate baseball team. With the help of his family, the city of Muskegon, and a love for the sport, Pete paved the way to successfully preserve, revive and thrive the now 109-year old “Historic” Marsh Field.
At the ballpark, there was never a day where he failed to share his joy through a contagious smile on his face and providing a welcoming atmosphere. Making people happy made Pete happy with tremendous humility, and he did just that for baseball fans near and far, college ball players from all over the world and even the opposing teams who got to experience Clipper baseball.
When away from Marsh Field, Pete prioritized supporting his grandkids and all of their endeavors. Pete was a big fan of the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, Mona Shores High School and University of Michigan athletics. During his early years, Pete taught himself how to play the guitar, served as an altar boy and competed as a four sport athlete. He went on to play baseball at Muskegon Community College.
Pete will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Rebecca Gawkowski; three children: Jenny (Kyle) Buck, Daniel (Sherry) Gawkowski, and Pete (Marci) Gawkowski; four grandchildren: Grady, Claire, Cooper, and Oliver Gawkowski; two brothers, Walt (Joan) and John (Susan) Gawkowski; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda (Joe) Rafferty.
A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held for Pete at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Forest Park Covenant Church, 3815 Henry St, Norton Shores, MI, 49441. VISITATION will be held from 5:00 PM -7:00 PM on Monday, November 3, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444, as well as at church an hour prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Muskegon Clippers.
-Jonathan Timm