Henry Frank Krzystowczyk

Henry Frank Krzystowczyk, age 88, died Friday, May 10, 2019 at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital in Rochester Hills, Michigan surrounded by his loving family. Henry was born July 11, 1930 in Hamtramck, Michigan, son of the late Frank Krzystowczyk and the late Regina (nee: Dzierbicki) Krzystowczyk. Henry's family moved in 1940 from Hamtramck to Warren Township, Michigan into a one room house for the entire family. The family was money poor, however considered themselves rich in love and food. The family always grew their own vegetables and raised poultry and other items to feast on and share with others in their family and community. As time marched on, Henry's family home was bought for the expansion of the General Motors Technical Center in Warren. The family re-settled at a new home in Warren and Henry continued his schooling at Warren High School where he graduated from in 1950. While in high school, Henry worked on the assembly line for Briggs automotive which later was acquired by Chrysler Motors. Henry was well known to his superiors and co-workers as a very hard-working young man. Henry was called away from his home and work, as he was drafted into the United States Amy during the Korean War. With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Henry for his service to our country. As a soldier in the U.S. Army, Henry served from August of 1951 thru August of 1953, with most of that time being spent overseas. Attaining the rank of Corporal, Henry served with pride and honor in coming to the aid of our esteemed allies and standing tall for the cause of freedom. For the sacrifices made and his willingness to stand in harm's way as duty called, we extend our posthumous gratitude to Corporal Krzystowczyk, and honor his valiant service. As a young man enjoying a movie at the Center Line Theater, Henry spotted a very attractive young woman by the name of Helen DeMeere. His only means to gain her attention was to throw popcorn at her... the plan worked as Henry and Helen married while he was in service November 10, 1951. Following his service to his country, Henry returned home to his new bride and to the automotive industry now working for Chrysler Motors. While working, Henry also built his first family home with the help of his father, brother and other family members. Henry took classes to further his education, studying manufacturing and automotive processes. Henry's hard work and intellect got noticed by the management of Chrysler and he rose up through the ranks to foreman and supervisor of plant maintenance. During one-year, Henry worked 365 days straight not taking any time off. When he finally retired Henry had worked for over 40 years for Briggs and Chrysler collectively. Henry's mechanical mind never stopped... he was a constant tinkerer and repairer of things around his home. He repaired clocks, woodwork, and fixed electrical and mechanical items in his home. Henry was passionate about his wife, daughters, and his community. Some of Henry's favorite pass-times included hunting, fishing, and acting as a political activist. Henry and his brother acquired 320 acres of land near Oil City, Michigan in Greendale Township in 1971 to hunt deer. During this time, many oil companies were buying or leasing mineral and oil rights from land owners. Henry was very proud of his family name and would only lease the rights if an oil well had the Krzystowczyk family name attached, and the company agreed. One of his favorite hobbies later in life was acting as a real estate tax foreclosure speculator. Henry had an innate ability to spot and acquire land through tax foreclosures sales. He also enjoyed staying up late at the City of Warren council meetings to make his voice and other citizens voices heard. Henry became such a vocal and thoughtful voice for citizens of Warren that Mayor James Fouts appointed him as an advisor and executive administrator to the Mayor personally. Henry was the beloved husband of the late Helen Emily (nee: DeMeere) Krzystowczyk, and the dear father of Corinne (James) Allor-Herman, Cindy Bielski, Susan Vaillancourt, and Karen (Barry) Renze. Further survivors include his grandchildren, Gary (Tesha) Allor, the late Robert (Christina) Duncan, James (Angel) Herman, Nick Herman, Bryan (Inie) Allor, Ashley Renze, Stacey (Brent) Lotterman, Nicholas Renze, Devin Vaillancourt, Emily Vaillancourt, and great-grandfather of Alexander, R.J.,Braeden, Haley, Wesley, Chloe, Anna, Johnathan, Mia, Katelyn, Jaxon, Holden, TJ, Kassidy, and the late Kayden. Additionally, Henry was the brother of Genevieve (the late Russell) Paye, Frank (the late Margaret) Krzystowczyk, and the late Sophie (Bob) Nadai. Visitation for Mr. Krzystowczyk will be held Friday, May 17th from 2-9 pm, with a 7 pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Mr. Krzystowczyk will lie in state on Saturday, May 18th from 10:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Warren. Celebrating the Funeral Liturgy will be Reverend Fr. Nick Zukowski. Memorial donations are appreciated to the Capuchin Fathers, 1820 Mt. Elliot St., Detroit, MI 48207 Please share memories of Henry at his memory book above.