John E. Plonka

Loving husband, father, and grandfather John E Plonka, passed away July 5, 2024 at the age of 76. John is survived by his wife of 57 years Sharon (Dunlevy), son Michael (Leigh), and daughter Kimberly, four grandchildren Austin, Christian (Jena) Dominic Camardella, Alexa Camardella, and Sister Marcie Spence, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. John was preceded in death by his older sister, Pat Shurlknight, and his two parents, John Plonka and Genevieve (Paczkowski).
He was raised in Dearborn, Michigan, attended St. Anselm Catholic School, Sacred Heart, and Dearborn High, where he competed on the swim team and football team. Growing up in car country his passion for cars also began in high school. After graduation he began his 36 year career at Ford Motor Company, attended Ford Trade School and Henry Ford community college. He continued taking classes throughout his career and always had a passion for learning more.
John loved tinkering and could repair and build almost anything. In the summer months, you could often find John up north as he loved Michigan's great outdoors, especially the lakes.
John loved spending time with his grandchildren and neighbor's children, teaching them everything from fishing, to drafting, to changing brakes on the car, often with Kimberly by his side. John helped his wife Sharon take care of Kimberly, from daily meals at local restaurants, to bowling, and many other activities. John was a member of St. Gerald's Catholic Church, Friends of the Rouge River, and the Antique Outboard Motor Club. John was a patriot, with a great passion for our country.
John never met a stranger and loved talking with everyone. Liked by everyone he met and loved by his entire family, his presence will be deeply missed.
Family and friends may gather for visitation at Heeney-Sunquist Funeral Home at 23720 Farmington Rd, Farmington, MI 48336 on Friday July 12th, from 2 to 8 PM with a rosary at 7 PM. His funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday morning, July 13 at 11 AM (in state at 10:30 AM) at St. Gerald's Catholic Church at 21300 Farmington Rd, Farmington, MI 48336.
The interment will immediately follow the funeral mass at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.
A luncheon will follow the interment at a venue to be announced at the funeral mass.
If you have something small that reminds you of a time with John please bring it, so it can go with him to his resting place at Holy Sepulchre.
His love and commitment to his daughter Kimberly was beyond measure and because of this, the family asks if you'd like to donate money, that you do so for a dedicated fund established for Kimberly's ongoing care.
Please keep John and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.