Stanley W Pykosz
Empire - Stanley William Pykosz, 92, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Railside Assisted Living Center in Byron Center Michigan. Stanley was born in Detroit on March 15, 1922, the eldest son of Stanley M. and Helen (Mrozinski) Pykosz. Stan was a graduate of Pershing High School Class of 1930. He joined the CCC's (Civilian Conservation Corp.) upon graduation and worked in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan planting pine trees. After almost a year service in the CCC's he joined the US Coast Guard and served the next four and a half years patrolling the east coast for enemy U-boats. Stanley was honorably discharged in 1945 after incurring a serious back injury while on duty.
After returning home and trying a few different career paths Stan began 33 years of service with the US Customs in Detroit.
IN 1947 he met Lillian Czmolak, the love of his life; they married on Feb. 2, 1952 and enjoyed 62 wonderful years together.
Stan an "Lil" lived in the Detroit suburbs of Clawson and Utica until 1990 when they built their dream retirement home on the family homestead, near Empire, MI. They enjoyed many happy years growing vegetable gardens and hosting numerous annual vacations for their extended family. Stan enjoyed "walking his woods" with his golden retriever "Tyler".
He was an active member of the Empire Lions Club, VFW, and DAV for many years.
In addition to his wife Lillian, Stanley is survived by his children, Thomas (Nancy) Pykosz, Kenneth (Jo) Pykosz, Robert (Kim) Pykosz, Deborah (Gary) Yost, grandchildren Patricia (Bradley) Rudner, Thomas (Erica) Pykosz, Jamie Pykosz, Paige Yost, Jessica Pykosz, Melissa Yost, Jacob Pykosz; great grandchildren Thomas and Andrew Rudner and Lillian Pykosz.
Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul, Richard, Albert, and sister Virgina.
Visitation is Sunday, September 21 at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass and burial, also at St. Philip Neri, at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 22.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Please Visit
www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
to share your memories of Stan