Marion Joseph "Mike" Stolarski

Marion Joseph "Mike" Stolarski, age 85 of Warren, died Saturday, June 4, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan. He was born September 3, 1930 in Glinik, Poland, son of the late Thomas and the late Helen (nee: Rak) Stolarski. One of the many who emigrated to America from their native Poland, Mike was just 7 years old when his parents made the decision to begin anew in the land they had heard so much about. Like many steeped in their Polish heritage, the Stolarski family chose Hamtramck as their new home. Devout in their Catholic faith, the city's famed St. Florian Catholic Church became their church home and is where Mike served as an Altar Boy in his younger years. St. Florian is also where he received his education, and proudly graduated after 12 years of studies. At the age of 21, with his life just getting underway, Uncle Sam came knocking and Mike's journey would soon take a bit of a turn as he answered that call to serve his country during the Korean War era. As a soldier in the U.S. Army from 1951 thru 1953, Mike was part of the army's 10th Infantry Division, and also served in the 8230th Auxiliary Honor Guard Platoon throughout his scope of duties. Ultimately attaining the rank of Private First Class, Mike served valiantly and exuded the bravery of a true American soldier. With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Mike for duty served and for his willingness to stand in harm's way for the cause of freedom's sake. Over the following 9 years, fate would cause the paths of two lives to cross which began the story of Mike and Annette. Dating turned into courtship, and courtship to love. So it was that on July 14, 1962, Mike and Annette became husband & wife in the presence of their loved ones and friends. They went on to share 54 wonderful years together, enjoying the pleasures of 2 children and 4 grandchildren. The lion's share of Mike's career path was spent in the manufacturing realm in which he worked as a Methods & Standards Engineer. He ultimately transitioned to the TACOM facility in Warren from where he accepted his well-deserved retirement. When Mike wasn't working, you'd often find him sharing those sunny, picturesque days with someone special on the links in search of that elusive "Hole-in-One." He loved to golf and found great enjoyment in being challenged by that tiny, little white menace he would chase around the course. A lot of Mike's downtime was also spent soaking up the sights in his love of traveling. Nothing really exotic or spectacular, simply enjoying much of what the more local attractions had to offer. And without question, Mike was known by all as a "Tireless Tiger's Supporter,"…a fan of the Boys in the Old English "D" that kept him well-entertained throughout the years,…even when they weren't On Top. Yet of all the mentions that could fill a book of Mike's life story, the most impressionable would have to be his Godly, servant's heart. A devout member, for over 50 years, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Center Line, Mike was so much more than merely a parishioner. He took to heart God's Great Commission in taking His word to the masses,…and he did so in many different ways. From his volunteering efforts with Mcrest, Project Literacy, as an active Right-to-Life advocate, and a Chaplain for the Macomb County Jail, these are but a few of the outreaches that meant a great deal to Mike. If you thought he was a tireless Tiger's fan, you should have seen him with someone in need. He was a man of true compassion, outstanding loyalty, one who considered others more important than himself. His love was unconditional, a love he shared with all of whom he was blessed to meet. A loving and selfless husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, Mike's example of servanthood is sure to remain a beacon of inspiration for all whose lives he touched,…and they are countless. For his dear family, there will always be the memory of how Mike put God and family first above all,…especially when he was delighting them with one of his fresh-baked apple pies. Talk about a "slice of Heaven," eh? Finally, Mike's perseverance provided a shining example for all, as his intense physical suffering over the last six months only proved to strengthen his faith in God, his love for his family, and his sense of humor. One of the most meaningful legacies he leaves us is that physical suffering can be transformed into a gift that causes us to grow even stronger. And even greater yet,…Mike's other incredible legacy is that he lived his life around the moment he would return to his Creator on June 4th. He has now gained his eternal reward, free of pain and suffering, in God's arms, surrounded by the loved ones who have gone on before him. Mike was the beloved husband of Annette, and the cherished father of Michael Stolarski and Joanne (Michael) O'Rourke. He was the loving grandfather of Aidan, Megan, Brendan, and Colin. Dear brother of Jane (the late John) Kapeluch, the late Thaddeus, and brother-in-law of Mary Stolarski. Mike is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Visitation for Mike will be held Sunday, June 12th from 3-9 pm, with a 6:30 pm Scripture Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. He will lie in state on Monday from 9:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church – St. Clement Site in Center Line. Following Mass, the U.S. Army will render military honors in recognition of Marion's service to our country. Please share memories of Marion at his memory book above.