A Warren man is looking forward to a more comfortable retirement after winning a $25,000 a year for life prize playing Lucky For Life.

John Kusewicz, Jr., 70, matched the five white balls drawn Monday night – 14-17-18-21-48 – to win the big prize. He bought his winning ticket at Tina’s Tobacco Outlet of Warren, located at 4230 East 10 Mile Road in Warren. Kusewicz is the 22nd Michigan player to win a lifetime prize in the Lucky For Life game.

“I woke up Tuesday morning checked my numbers and couldn’t believe my eyes,” said Kusewicz. “I called my wife over and told her to look at the computer. She was shocked.

“We’ve had some struggles since I retired, and this will be very helpful to leave those days behind us.”

Kusewicz visited Lottery headquarters on Thursday to claim the big prize. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time lump sum payment of $390,000 rather than annual payments for $25,000 for 20 years or life, whichever is greater.

Kusewicz plans to use his winnings for his retirement.

“It’s good to know we’ll have a comfortable retirement and I will be able to leave something to my sons and grandchildren,” Kusewicz said.

For just $2 per play, Lucky For Life gives Lottery players a chance to win prizes ranging from $3 to a lifetime of cash. To win the game’s top prize of $1,000 a day for life, players must match all five winning numbers ranging from 1 to 48, plus one Lucky Ball ranging from 1 to 18. Players who match all five winning numbers, but not the Lucky Ball, will win $25,000 a year for life. Lucky For Life drawings take place every Monday and Thursday at 10:35 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at Lottery retailers across the state.