Louis J. Czubak, 93, of Traverse City, known to friends as Louie, took the hand of God and entered into everlasting peace at his home on Sunday, October 15, 2023.  He was a highly respected business man, community volunteer, member of several charity organizations, and active member of Elks Lodge No. 323.

Louie was born June 24, 1930, in Chicago to Joseph and Anna Czubak.  Raised in northern Michigan, he graduated from Baldwin High School, starring in track and field sports.  He attended Central Michigan University and Ferris State University, studying Land Surveying and Pre-Engineering.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in October, 1951 and was honorably discharged in October, 1953.

He began his career working for Blass Land Surveying until 1957, joining Michigan Department of Transportation, serving on varied complex survey projects in southwest Lower Michigan.  In April 1972, he moved to Traverse City, joining Perla Stout Associates, a Civil Engineering and Land Surveying firm.  In January 1978, Louie and Art Gosling formed a successful partnership as Gosling Czubak Associates, a Civil, Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering and Land Surveying firm, which is still operating today.  Their success was based on Honesty and Integrity.  Louie was awarded the honor of being appointed to the State Survey and Remonumentation commission by Governor John Engler in 1995.  He was a life member of the Michigan Society of Professional Land Surveyors.  He also studied and became a Michigan Assessor.

He had been an active member of the Rotary Club of Traverse City, performing in the Rotary Minstrel Show for many years, volunteered his services to Score, Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, Grand Traverse Area Chamber of Commerce, Traverse Industrial Fund, Traverse City Eagle Aerie 383, Traverse City Loyal Order of Moose, American Legion, Long Lake Association, Grand Traverse Land Conservancy and Allegan Jaycees.

Dear to his heart was his 60 year membership in the B.P.O.E., becoming a member of the Allegan Elks Lodge in 1964, serving as an officer and committeeman until transferring to Traverse City Lodge No. 323 in 1972.  Louie worked his way through all the chairs and was elected Exalted Ruler in 1981-1982.  He was District Vice Chairman, District Vice-President, and was honored to be West Central District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler 1992-1993, Treasurer from 1984-1989, District Ritual chairman twice, State Americanism Chairman, and Past Exalted Ruler.  He was chosen Elk of the Year in 1999.  Louie was a "rules" person.  Many times his cohorts tried to quote the rules, only to be told by Louie to go home and read their rule book. Louie was always right.

He was a sportsman.  He ran track, was an avid hunter, golfer, bowler and geocacher.

Louie was a strong, firm, kind and generous spirit whose entire family was his greatest pride and joy.  Louie married Pauline Nelson and they had 3 children; Dan, Cathy, and Larry.  They moved to Traverse City in 1972 and furthered their careers as a surveyor and a teacher.  Education was important to them.  Two of the highlights of their travels were Hawaii and Alaska.  Their 38 years of happiness together consisted of many Elk activities, creating countless friends until Pauline's passing in 1992.

Through mutual Elk friends who played match maker, Louie and Mary Clous Carpenter became bowling partners on the Elks Bowling league with Jack and Gail Smith.  They were 1st place winners in the 1993-94 Elks Mixed Doubles tournament.  Their friendship blossomed and they were married February 26, 1994.  This union added Mary's children and grandchildren to the family circle, who Louie welcomed with open arms.  They made a point to attend their grandchildren's sports and school activities.  Louie and Mary spent their winters in Florida, golfing and being the hub of their Home Owners Association in Sebring until Louie's health declined in 2021.

Louie was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Pauline; sister Doris Strouse; and daughter Cathy.

Survivors include his wife Mary; sister Deanna Snider; sons Daniel (Rebecca) Czubak of Morton, IL. And Larry (Lori) Czubak of Traverse City; step children Therese Clous, Ann Clous, and Steven (Kathi) Clous of Traverse City; grandchildren AJ (Janelle) Czubak, Ashley Diemer, Victoria Czubak, Elizabeth Czubak, Michael Edge, Ashley Edge, Allen Prause, Kimberly Clous, Courtney Baker, Paul Nash, and numerous great grandchildren and extended family.

The family acknowledges Therese Clous for her dedication and devotion as caregiver to Louie this past year.

Memorial services for Louis J. Czubak will be conducted at 4:00 PM, Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Traverse City Elks Lodge #323, 625 Bay Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Casual attire acceptable.

Memorials may be directed to ELKS #323 CARE PACK PROGRAM, c/o Elks Lodge 323, 625 Bay St., Traverse City, MI  49684 which assists needy school children.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com