Mr. Edwin J. Szotko

Mr. Edwin J. Szotko age 87 of Marne MI died peacefully at home, on Tuesday May 23, 2017. He was preceded in death on March 2, 2015 by his loving wife of 63 years Joan, also by his infant son Edwin Joseph Jr., great grandson Weston Jonathan Verburg, his parents John and Stephanie, three brothers Stanley (Frances), Edmund (Irene), John (Delores), two sisters Gertrude Szczytko and Wanda Szotko. Surviving are his daughter Kathie (David) Dolphin, son Timmy (Theresa) Szotko, daughter Kristy (Mickey) Verburg, daughter Cindy (Dan) Meert, seven grandchildren: Jason (Maria) Szotko, Andrew Szotko, Katherine (Chad) Giese, Nicholas (Kristie) Verburg, Jonathan (Liz) Verburg, Amy (John) Joldersma, Joshua Meert, nine great grandchildren: Haley, Sydney, Jeraca and Bentley Verburg, Ashton Whetstone, Parker Joldersma, Karolina and Marek Szotko, Lilianna Giese; brother Ted (Esther) Szotko, brother in law Chester Szczytko, many nieces and nephews. He was a man of great faith. Ed had resourceful and talented working hands, being gifted with an innate mechanical ability. Some of his pride of accomplishments were his cottage in Baldwin, his 1938 Dodge truck restoration and owning Ed’s Auto Repair for a great many years. He enjoyed being a handyman, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and anything to do with motors and automobiles. Ed served his country during the Korean War with the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. He was a retired Captain of the Grand Rapids Fire Department after 31 years of service from 1959 to 1990. Ed was a member of the Knights of St. Casimir and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marne where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday10:30 am. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. His family will receive visitors Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance NW and Friday at church one hour prior to the Mass. A Vigil Service will be held Thursday at 8:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan and Visiting Angels. Ed’s family wishes to thank both organizations for their compassionate care and family assistance. Thank you Dad, for the many gifts of love, laughter, knowledge, strength, kindness and support that you gave us over the years.

Tributes

Mr. Edwin J. Szotko

December 30, 1929 - May 23, 2017