Richard Michael Pijaszek "Dick"

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of “Dick” at the age of 87 years. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Toni and Trish House in Auburn, Michigan on Friday, November 15, 2024. Dick weathered through anything life through at him; he fought with a passion through illness and hardship with a positive attitude, up until this battle signaled his work here on earth was done. He was born on May 30, 1937 in Bay City, Michigan to the late Michael and Mary Rose (Nosek) Pijaszek. Dick was raised in a Catholic household, attended catholic school and served as an altar server and later as an usher in his church community. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, formerly known as St. Vincent de Paul Church. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus 3590 and the St. George Society. He Served in the National Guard for eight years, from 1955 to 1963. He was an avid bowler and was very good at it, he shared this passion with his wife in a couples league as well. He spent many hours out on the golf course with his wife, brother, son, and friends; also an accomplice to golf ball diving. His dedication to hunting gave us endless stories to share and one of them earning him to also be known as “flippin Dick”. Dick enjoyed fishing so much he would get so excited occasionally forgetting his fishing poles, and thankfully never made the news when ice fishing with his buddy Tom. Many adventures were had gambling at the casino and polka dancing. He never sat idle always fixing things and working in the yard. Dick was always such a happy man; with a goofy personality. He loved having a cold beer with friends while listening to polka music. His children were awoken to the blaring of the Sunday morning polka show every weekend. 

Dick caught Carol’s eye as he danced the night away at a polka dance: he finally asked her to dance and then swept her off her feet for over 60 years; they dated for nine months then on a date night at the brine well he told her they were getting married on April 11, 1964. Dick married the love of his life Carol (Schukofski) Pijaszek and she survives him along with his beloved children; Margaret (Greg) Gerulski, Tim (Lori) Pijaszek and Ann (Steve) Janik; cherished grandchildren, Alyssa (Tim) Resmer, Garrett Uhlmann, Austin (Kate) Gerulski, Branden (Harley) Gerulski, Logan (Katy) Pijaszek and Caleb (Corey) Pijaszek; great grandchildren, who referred to him as GG-Pa, Nora, Veda, Jackson, Maeve, Lucas, Hunter and Ryleigh. He is also survived brother, Robert Pijaszek; brother-in-law, Marvin Schukofski and sister-in-law, Lois Pijaszek. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Walt Pijaszek; sisters, Rosemarie (Pete) Zaucha and Bernadine (Dave) Payne; father and mother-in-law, Edward and Elsie Schukofski; sister-in-law’s, Mary Jo Pijaszek and Marie Mosher; brother-in-law’s, Alfred, Arden and Clarence Schukofski and several nieces and nephews.

Dick would like to “thank alllllllllllll the people” for coming and sharing his life. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the Toni and Trish House for all their kindness and support throughout this difficult time. They would also like to say thank you to the staff with McLaren Hospice for all their compassion that they have showed to them.

The family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Gephart Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Funeral Mass for Dick will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish with Rev. Fr. Jim Bessert officiating. There will be a private interment that will be taking place at 2:30 p.m. at Floral Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would consider donating to the Toni and Trish House in honor of Dick.