Alexander S. Pomnichowski's Obituary
Big Rapids - Alexander S. Pomnichowski, 88, of Big Rapids, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2017, at Metropolitan Hospital in Grand Rapids He was born July 30, 1929 in Wyandotte, the son of Alexander and Anna (Kavie) Pomnichowski, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1946. Alex earned his B.A. in 1951 from Michigan State Normal (Eastern Michigan University), his M.A. in 1952 from the University of Michigan in Economics & Business, his M.B.A. in 1959 from the University of Michigan, and his Ph.D. in 1961 in Business Education, also from University of Michigan. Alex served his country during the Korean War. After completing special clerical schooling at Fort Knox in 1953, and graduating with honors from the Adjutant General's School, he was assigned as a conference and court reporter with the 8th Army Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. Following his tour of duty, Alex began his teaching career in the Garden City schools and at Birmingham High School. In 1961, he continued his teaching career at Parson's College in Fairfield, Iowa. In 1967, Alex accepted a position at Ferris State University as Professor of Business and head of the Business Administration Department. Professor Pomnichowski would remain at Ferris until his retirement in 2009. While at Ferris, Alex served as Department Head for seventeen years. He was involved in numerous business associations and organizations across the country, and was instrumental in adding many new classes to the Business School course of study (Collective Bargaining, Strategy Formulation, Real Estate, and International Business). Professor Pomnichowski also initiated several new Majors to the Business School that greatly expanded the programs at Ferris State University (Finance, Production Management, Human Resources Management, and Small Business Management). In his years at Ferris, Alex was also very active in the Faculty Senate and chaired the University Curriculum and School of Business Accreditation Committees. An active member of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, Alex served as an usher and on various boards. He was a former member of the Rotary Club of Big Rapids, the Michigan Humanities Council, the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservatory, and the Big Rapids Community Library. On May 23, 1953, he married Jean Hodge, who preceded him in death on January 24, 2000. Surviving are one son Paul (Sue) of Ft. Worth, TX; 2 daughters, Sharon (Fred) Hickox of Grand Rapids, Kathy (Bill) Jennings of Grand Ledge; 6 grandchildren, Geoffrey, Alec, Lauren, Alexandra, Tyler, and Evan; and several nieces and nephews. Alex was also preceded in death by his sister Stella. Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, with Rev. Rebecca Morrison officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery. Alex's family will greet friends beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions in Alex's name may be made for his church, or FSU College of Business Scholarship Fund, with envelopes available at the Mohnke Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Alexander?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alexander?
Share a story where Alexander's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alexander you’ll never forget.
How did Alexander make you smile?