John J. Urbanski

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - John J. Urbanski, 97, a long-time resident of Wakefield, passed away Sunday afternoon, Nov. 6, 2016.

John was born on June 26, 1919, in Wakefield, a son of Frank and Rozalia (Pawlowski) Urbanski. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1938.

John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, and was honorably discharged as a technician fourth grade on Feb. 14, 1946. He received the American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

John worked as a tool grinder at Gorham Tool Company in Detroit for 28 years. He retired in 1972 and moved back to Wakefield to enjoy his golden years, residing with his younger brother, Leo, at the family home on Charles Street.

John was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, a dedicated and life member of Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084, and at one time a supporting member and post commander of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11. John was also a faithful chaplain for both veterans' service organizations.

John was a collector extraordinaire ... repurposing, making new from old, before it was a popular trend.

He loved his family, his faith, his country, his tamed deer and cribbage.

John is survived by a brother, Harry (Mary), Kingsford; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Urbanski, Ironwood, and Verna Urbanski, Wakefield; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Zigmund "Ziggy," Leo and Kazmirz "Charlie;" and four sisters, Cecelia in infancy, Mary Bridgeman, Bernice Gibas and Sophie Boedigheimer.

In accordance with John's wishes, cremation has taken place.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, Nov. 14, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and inurnment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard.

A luncheon will be served at the church hall following the cemetery service.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.