Lawrence E. Pulkownik

Pulkownik, Lawrence E. February 18, 2015 Age 85 of Plymouth. Loving husband of Patricia. Caring father of Diane (Jeff) Hamilton, Charles, Robert (Kara), and the late Larry. Proud “Pops” of Jennifer (Ed) Anglin, Ashley Pulkownik, Lizzy and Jackson Hamilton, Megan, Claire, and Erin Pulkownik. His great sense of humor will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He started his career as an engineer with Kelsey – Hayes, and retired as a Senior Executive. The family will gather with friends Monday 5:30 - 9 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 W Ann Arbor Road (btwn Sheldon and Beck) Plymouth. Funeral Mass Tuesday 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 47650 N. Territorial Rd., (at Beck) Plymouth. Memorials may be made to The Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliott St., Detroit, MI 48207-3485 or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Michigan, 1471 E. 12 Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page. Lawrence E. Pulkownik May 6, 1929 – February 18, 2015 Larry Pulkownik came from humble beginnings, growing up in Ecorse, Michigan, where his family ran a pool hall, a drugstore and a dry cleaning business. While attending high school, he rowed for the National Championship-winning team at the Ecorse Boat Club. He later attended Michigan State College (now Michigan State University) on a ROTC scholarship. After college, he served his country as a Lieutenant in the 124th Armored Ordinance Division. Larry started his career as an engineer in the automotive industry with Kelsey-Hayes, where he earned several patents. While working there, he received an MBA from the University of Michigan and worked his way up through the ranks, retiring 40 years later as a Senior Executive. He met his wife, Pat on a blind date, which according to both did not go well. But, they worked things out, and went on to marry in 1956 and raise four children together. The family moved to Plymouth in 1962, where Larry and Pat have lived for the last 53 years. Larry loved the outdoors, and passed this love along to his children. He was an avid golfer at his clubs in both Michigan and Florida. He hunted, fished, and took his family on many camping and hiking adventures throughout the country. He was always game to try something new. One day, he came home from a trip to the hardware store with a small sailboat that had been on display. “You don’t know how to sail”, said Pat. Larry’s quick response was “That’s OK, it came with instructions”. This one small act created a legacy of active sailors, including two grandchildren who sail for their colleges. He also loved to travel. What began as camping trips with his family evolved into exploring the world later in life with his wife and friends. They travelled extensively throughout Europe, and ventured to Morocco, Kenya, Alaska, Patagonia and more. Larry was the ultimate handyman. He built cabinets where they were needed, could fix anything that broke, and made sure all of his children knew how to paint a room and use a band saw. Later in life, he took up stained glass and pottery. His family will treasure his beautiful creations for years to come. Larry’s great sense of humor will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His wife and daughter will miss his skill on the dance floor. And, his sons and son-in-law will miss his companionship, keen wit, assistance with household projects, and his ability to help them put life’s challenges in the proper perspective of what’s really important. After several long illnesses, Larry passed away surrounded by his family after a visit from his favorite priest. He leaves behind his wife, Patricia and his children, Diane (Jeff) Hamilton, Charles, Robert (Kara) and his “adopted son” Cam Miller. He was pre-deceased by his eldest son, Larry. He was also proud “Pops” to his grandchildren Jennifer (Ed) Anglin, Ashley Pulkownik, Lizzy and Jackson Hamilton, Megan, Claire, and Erin Pulkownik. The family will gather with friends Monday 5:30 - 9 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 W Ann Arbor Road (btwn Sheldon and Beck) Plymouth. Funeral Mass Tuesday 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 47650 N. Territorial Rd., (at Beck) Plymouth. Memorials may be made to The Capuchin Soup Kitchen or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Lawrence E. Pulkownik

May 6, 1929 - February 18, 2015