Dwayne Michael Kwiatkowski

Dwayne (Duey) Michael Kwiatkowski was born December 7, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late David Joseph Kwiatkowski and Kathleen Jean (Cullen) Griffith. Dwayne was raised in Chicago,then in 1999 came to Springfield, Mo. to be closer to his Mom and little brother (Ski).

Dwayne’s favorite pastime was to be with family and friends always. He loved to camp, fish,and hit all of the Branson shows more than once or twice. The more people the merrier was what Dwayne loved. He welcomed anyone with open arms all the time/anytime.

Dwayne was united in marriage to Antonia (Tonette) Rivera on July 20, 2019. After their marriage, Dwayne and Tonette were going to be parents. In September 2019, they lost their baby due to complications. Dwayne loved his family beyond recognition and wanted to give Tonette a family as well.

Dwayne and I had a goal we set in 2021. This goal was to reunite the Griffith family back together like it was our whole childhood. I remember when we said that we did not want our family reunions to be at funerals only. We were now on a mission to set up an annual family reunion(s). In 2021 Dwayne and I set up a Griffith reunion page on Facebook Messenger to initiate the upcoming reunion(s).

Dwayne was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, and of course being an amazing lil / older brother. Side note: Even though Dwayne was 12 years older than me, I always called Dwayne my lil / older brother and he called me his bigger / younger brother. Dwayne and I only had one verbal altercation. Needless to say I respected my brother and learned quicklywhat buttons not to push. He cherished being a grandpa. He always put his family and friends above all else. He loved to sing karaoke and host block parties.

Dwayne was a factory worker for over 30 years. For that 30 years, he was at Andrew Cable Inc., Levolor Blinds, and completing his last 11 years of factory work at McCormick-French’s in Springfield, Mo. No matter how hard he was knocked down by the prior factories, he always got up and continued to support his family, no matter what!

On January 19, 2022, at 7:29 am, Dwayne was called to heaven by God. Now and forever he will watch over all of our families and friends like an Angel of God. Dwayne passed away from Pneumonia in his lungs and Covid-19 complications. Dwayne is survived by his beautiful and loving wife Tonette Kwiatkowski; his motivated and determined daughter Kara (Clum) Kwiatkowski; his adoring grandson Xavier; his best friend/ lil brother Neil Kwiatkowski (Ski); his nieces Kelsey and Kaitlyn Kwiatkowski; great niece Layahna; numerous extended family; his very special friend Rosie Mantle along with all his loving friends to include the Fox Terrace Circle (#FTC) neighbors.

Memorial service to celebrate Dwayne’s life will be held at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, MO. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 28, 2022 at 5 pm. The funeral service will begin at 6 pm. Pastor Joe Evans will officiate. Family will receive friends during a time of visitation prior to the service from 5 pm-6 pm at the funeral home.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Adams Crematory.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.