Bernie Ciarkowski

Forever in Our Hearts: Bernie Ciarkowski

Bernard Ciarkowski, beloved husband, father, papa, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 27, 1946, in Highland Park, Michigan, to Walter Joseph and Ann Rose (nee Chappa) Ciarkowski, Bernie was the eldest of five children. Bernie embraced his role as the eldest with a natural sense of responsibility, loyalty, and care. Growing up in the metro Detroit area, he attended the Patronage of St. Joseph Catholic High School, where he graduated and first began building the strong moral foundation that would guide him throughout his life.

In May of 1966, Bernie was drafted into the United States Army. He served honorably as a military police officer, where his commitment to duty and discipline. He went on to earn the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Bernie was honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist Technician, carrying with him the pride of having served his country with integrity.

After completing his military service, Bernie returned home and pursued higher education at Wayne State University. While attending school, he worked for the Detroit Police Department, laying the groundwork for a long and meaningful career in law enforcement. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and later continued his service with the City of Sterling Heights Police Department. Across more than twenty-five years in uniform, Bernie served as a patrol officer who believed deeply in protecting and serving his community. He approached each day with humility, honor, and a genuine desire to help others. Even after retiring from police work, he continued to serve the city as a Code Enforcement Officer, always dedicated to keeping his community safe and well cared for.

In 1973, Bernie married the love of his life, Linda Johnson-a love story that began all the way back in the fifth grade. Once they became friends, their bond only grew, rooted in trust, faith, and a shared sense of devotion. Linda often said she knew she wanted to marry Bernie because he was a good man who treated her with kindness, came from a strong Catholic family, and held deep moral values. Their marriage of fifty-two years was a testament to steadfast love, mutual respect, and enduring partnership. Together they raised two sons, Scot and David, who were among Bernie's greatest sources of pride. His family meant everything to him.

Bernie was a loving and devoted father and Papa, and he poured his whole heart into supporting his children and grandchildren. Whether attending baseball games, Cub Scout events, school activities, or simply spending quiet time together, Bernie cherished every moment. His presence-steady, warm, and encouraging-made his loved ones feel supported in everything they did. Some of his happiest times were spent watching his grandson play ball, sharing laughs, or simply being surrounded by the people he loved most.

A man of simple pleasures, Bernie loved relaxing with a good television show. Old westerns, baseball games, cartoons, and classic comedies filled many comfortable evenings. He enjoyed playing cards-especially poker, hearts, euchre, and pinochle. He also loved working on crossword puzzles and word games, which kept his mind sharp and his competitive spirit alive.

Bernie's strong Catholic faith was a guiding force throughout his life. Raised in the Church and a longtime member of St. Anne Catholic Church with Linda for more than fifty years, he found comfort and direction in his relationship with God. He sought spiritual guidance, especially in challenging times and lived his life with humility and gratitude.

Those who knew Bernie will remember him for his laid-back personality, his honesty, his big, warm smile, and his playful spirit. He was a genuinely good man-friendly, dependable, and always true to his word. His presence made others feel at ease, and his kindness left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Bernie is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Linda L. Ciarkowski; sons Scot (Stephanie LaFave) Ciarkowski, and David Ciarkowski; grandchildren, Parker, Jackson, Mary Blythe, Sloane, David II, and Jude; siblings James (the late Karen) Ciarkowski, Jane (Ross) Collins, and John (Loree) Ciarkowski; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. Preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ann Ciarkowski; and sister, Mary and her husband Lonnie Mercer.

Bernie will be laid out at on Thursday, November 20, 2025, beginning at 10:30 am at St. Anne Catholic Church, located at 32000 Mound Road, Warren, Michigan 48092. Funeral Mass to take place at 11:00 am following the instate period on Thursday, November 20, 2025, also at the church.

Following the conclusion of Mass, Bernie will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Bernard Ciarkowski's life was defined by service-service to his country, his community, his faith, and above all, his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and gentle strength. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mount Elliott Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207-3485, in Bernie's memory.