Daniel "D.J." Kolinski Jr.

1957 - 2025

Daniel "D.J." Kolinski Jr.

December 29, 1957 - October 18, 2025

Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of our family patriarch, beloved brother, brother-in-law, and adored uncle and great-uncle. He passed away peacefully at home, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with his sister at his side.

D.J. was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Daniel and Margaret (Peters) Kolinski. He grew up in West Toledo and graduated from Start High School. Shortly after high school he went to work for the family business, Newport Royale Kitchen and Bath Design. He designed kitchen plans and worked in sales and wore many hats along with his father, Daniel Sr.

In 1989, along with both parents and sister, Jennifer, they opened Heritage House Furniture in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, north of Sylvania, Ohio. He helped the business grow and flourish and has continued to contribute to the business until just a few weeks before his death.

He was a quiet, humble, and self- sacrificing man with a tremendous sense of humor. Never wanting for himself but always providing and giving to his sister and her family. He was truly the most loving brother and uncle a family could ask for. Before his parents passed, his concern was always in helping and providing for them as well.

He is survived by his sister, Jennifer Kolinski-Borgstahl, with whom he shared a special love and friendship; as well as her husband, Gene, who was a constant and wonderful friend. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews. He was not only an uncle to them, but a second father, business partner, and friend. Michael, Margaret, Max, Mary Larson and her husband Isaac Larson, Matthias, Daniel, Marek, Bridget, Isabella, Elizabeth, Liam, and Martha. He is also survived by his great niece, Lydia May Larson, who he loved and adored. She was often at Heritage House and D.J. was mesmerized by her and loved her so very much. D.J. loved, and was so loved in return.

There will be a Rosary and viewing from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee, 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131, (734) 529-3156, on Wednesday, October 23, 2025. D.J. will lie in state at 10:30 a.m., until the time of Catholic Burial Mass at 11:00 a.m., at St Irene's Church, 576 Main Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131. The interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery Adrian, Michigan, followed by a luncheon.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" Matthew 11:29

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5

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