Obituary of Ray Joseph Popilek
Of Mt. Morris, age 88, his kind and gentle soul was lifted to Heaven, Saturday, May 8, 2010, at Grand Blanc Rehabilitation Care Facility. The funeral mass will take place 11:00am, Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Morris. Rev. Fr. Thomas Nenneau will officiate with burial to follow in Sunset Hills Cemetery. Ray's family will be present to receive friends at the Miles Martin Funeral Home in Mt. Morris on Monday, from 11:00am until 9:00pm. On Monday evening family, friends and parish will gather to pray the Rosary at 6:00pm. On Tuesday morning Ray will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00am until time of mass at 11:00am. Those desiring may consider memorial contributions to the charity of your choice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church.
Ray was born March 25, 1922 in Pulaski, Minnesota the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Annie (Dzurik) Popilek. He and Doris Hanna were united in marriage October 17, 1942 in Toledo, Ohio. They were married for 60 years. Doris preceded him in death September 1, 2002. Ray proudly served in the United States Coast Guard for two years before receiving his Honorable Discharge. Ray worked for Buick for 42 years before retiring in 1982, and was a member of UAW Local #599. He enjoyed spending time with his family, bowling, golfing and watching the Detroit Tigers.
Ray leaves to cherish his memory and will be sadly missed by, daughter, Sandi Laffrey, son, Tom and wife, Linda Popilek; five grandchildren; Jamie and husband, John Harden, Julie Zermeno, Lori and husband, Damon Saunders, Tom M. and wife, Kari Popilek, and Gregg Parrish; 10 great-grandchildren; Ryan, Todd, Damon, Brady, Taylor, Justin, Brendan, Jordyn, Emily and Hanna Rae, one great-great-grandchild, Quinn, 2 brothers; Dan and Leon Popilek, sister, Annette Neal and his cherished buddy, Bingo.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, wife Doris, son-in-law, Dave, three brothers Art, Ed, Jerome; three sisters, Frances, Grace and Eva.
