JOSEPH P. KWIATKOWSKI, age 68 of Cheboygan, Michigan passed away at home on August 31, 2021   He Graduated from Cheboygan Catholic High School 1971, obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree-Accountancy, Ferris State University in 1976 and went on to get his Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude from the California Western University and was admitted to the practice of law in Michigan in 1980.

Joe became an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Cheboygan County in 1980, and then became the Elected Prosecuting Attorney for Cheboygan County in 1981 where he remained until he was appointed to the Probate/Family Court Bench in 1999 until 2001.  In 2001 he joined as a partner with Peter Patrick, (who preceded him in death in 2006) to form Patrick & Kwiatkowski, PLLC, ultimately changing the name of the firm to Kwiatkowski Law Firm, PLLC in 2020.

Joseph has a long list of outstanding accomplishments as a member of the Michigan Bar Association, with authority to practice in all local state and federal courts; the Michigan Supreme Court; and the United States Supreme Court. He was the Co-Founder of the DARE Michigan (youth drug awareness program in Michigan); Co-Founder of SANE (Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement); President of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan for many years;  Founder of the SAYPA (Straits Area You Promotion Academy); Appointed by President Clinton to the Rural Dug Task Force; Appointed by Governor Engler to Michigan Children’s Justice Task Force; Michigan Civil Servant of the Year Award; and in 2018 was the recipient of the William F. Delhey Award through the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan.

One of his proudest legal accomplishments was prevailing in the Michigan Supreme Court with a landmark decision in April 2019 and becoming a member of the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society.

Joe loved playing the drums in his band Cheboygan Brewhouse Band, spending time with family and friends, a good cigar and a glass of bourbon and loved spending time with his grandkids.