John Charles Tokarz

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Charles Tokarz, 63, of Harper Woods, Michigan. John passed away at home on January 30, 2025. 

John was born on December 23, 1961, to Charles and Marilyn Tokarz of Lincoln Park, Michigan.

In 1985, John met his wife and love of his life, Diana Murray, at work in the Murphy-Telegraph building in downtown Detroit. John and Diana went onto have two children: daughter, Charlee Marie (named after her grandfather – Charlie) and son, Nicholas Parker. John and Diana were together for almost 40 years.

Due to various health issues, John stopped working in 2019. He occupied his time with the family dog, Nacho, and doing some of his favorite things like reading and playing his guitars.

John was trained be a chef and worked at restaurants such as The Renaissance Club, The Rattlesnake Club and One23 in Grosse Pointe. He loved to BBQ and could always be counted on to finish making a dish at a family get-together or carving the Thanksgiving turkey.

John was very proud of the accomplishments his two children have made and always spoke highly of them to everyone.

John had a very giving heart. As an organ donor, it would bring him much happiness to know his donations will help 70 cancer patients in living a longer life. John did handyman work for many elderly and was also a caregiver to one of them.

John was predeceased by his father, Charles Tokarz, his mother, Marilyn (Smith) Tokarz, his sister, Elaine Tokarz Wade, and his sister, Carolyn Tokarz Blatnik. He is survived by his wife, Diana Murray, his children, Charlee and Nicholas, his sister, Nancy (Carl Eichenlaub) Tokarz, his brother, Timothy (Erika) Tokarz, as well as many cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church, 22412 Overlake St., St. Clair Shores, Michigan. John will be lying-in-state at St. Joan of Arc Church at 9:30 a.m. John’s funeral mass will also be live streamed at https://www.sjascs.org/st-joan-live.

John’s favorite show was Dr. Pol. He would be happy to know that donations were made to Pol Veterinary Services (thedrpol.com) in his memory. Additionally, a donation to our church or charity of your choice in John’s memory would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.