Stanley Koscielniak, 96, of Johannesburg passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at his home with his wife and daughter by his side.
He was born in Gaylord on May 1, 1925, to Frank and Pauline (Mankowski) Koscielniak.
Stanley married Mary Maxine Black on April 26, 1952.
He was a World War II veteran who proudly served our country as a U.S. Army soldier. After returning from the service, he completed training and became an electrician. He was employed by Lancaster Electric and later retired from Swan Electric in 1987. After retirement, he remodeled a building and equipped it to do woodworking. It later became known as “The Shed” (his second home). For 34 years he spent time building birdhouses, dollhouses, wagons, and furniture. Anything a family member asked for, he was up for the challenge. Many of the pieces were for his grandchildren. They now share them with their own children and will be passed down for generations to come.
Stanley was a kind and thoughtful person who cared deeply for his family, friends, and community. He enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was thrilled and looked forward to their Facetime calls. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lewiston.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Frank “Jr.” Koscielniak, Margaret Zietz, Fran Tuszynski, and Maggie Zaborowski.
Stanley is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Maxine; daughter, Linda Henderson; grandchildren, Tyler (Teya) Henderson, Tara (Austin) Sundy; great-grandchildren, Ryker, Brooklyn, and Lincoln Henderson.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Nelson Funeral Home, 135 N. Center Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735, starting at 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the conclusion of visitation, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 3805 County Rd. 612, Lewiston MI 49756, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
6 comments on “Stanley Koscielniak”
So many Summers and so many stories too many to count but you we’re always a part of them. From the the first time I ever came to Michigan to every single time I was there you always had a smile and a corny joke. I will miss you for a long long time. Rest in peace Uncle Stanley say hello to my mom and we will all see you again soon. I love you. We have Aunt Mac and your family and we will take care of them until that day we’re all together again
My heart grieves with you, Maxine, Linda, and your family. Stanley was such a special, caring, thoughtful and positive person. A person you enjoyed being around. We will see your smiling face again someday. I will miss you, Stanley.
My childhood contains so many memories of Uncle Stanley, especially when we would visit Uncle Frank and Aunt Pauline’s farm. He always had a smile and friendly demeanor. My dad thought the world of him. Big hugs to Aunt Maxine, and Linda, and your family. Rest in Peace Uncle Stanley. What a wonderful life full of ‘family first’ you led. Say hello to my dad and mom for me.
It has been an honor to be neighbors to Maxine and Stanley for the past forty years. He was such an intelligent and sweet tempered man. A talented woodworker, he made the wooden memorial books for the remodeled Gaylord library.
Maxine, I was so sorry to hear of your husbands’ passing. I thought of you often as I passed by your home on the way to my farm on Briley Road. My condolences to you and your family. I remember you best as the secretary to the superintendent at the Johannesburg School. Take care, prayers are with you. You will remember me best as Bonnie Jones.
Dear Maxine, I just learned of your loss as I read the obituary for Glenn Larsen. Both of you were such good members of the Johannesburg community and school. I think you and Stanley were two of the most wonderful supporter of the school and the basketball program. Love and sympathy.
Jerry Yankie