Karl John Stanitzek

Karl John Stanitzek, age 84 of Coopersville, Michigan, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on November 9, 2025. His family and faith were central to his life. He is survived by his loving wife Sue of 62 years. He was a beloved father and grandfather who took great delight in spending time with his family. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Sheryl (Mike) Romain, Bob Stanitzek, and Gayle (David) Martini; his sister Marian Stanitzek, his sister-in-law Peggy Stanitzek, and his brother-in-law Doug Scheerhorn; his grandchildren Ryan Romain, Rachael (Nick) DiGianivittorio, Kylie Romain, Spencer (Jaclyn) Stanitzek, and Jessica (Josh) Harbert; his great grandchildren Tucker, Landon, Dakota, Liam, and Clayton. Karl was a graduate of Catholic Central High School Class of 1960, where he played football and was part of the 1959 championship team. He was awarded the title Best Defensive Lineman and made All-State and All-City that same year. He also attended and played football on a scholarship at Marquette University of Wisconsin. Through high school he enjoyed helping and working for his father’s business, Frank’s Meat Market that was established in 1933 and is still in business today. He was also proud of the work he did for B&O/C&O/CSX Railroad where he worked for 32 years in every position until he ultimately became a supervisor for the final 10 years of his career. Karl was a lifetime member for 50 years at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered on a variety of committees. He was an avid fisherman, and always said he landed the catch of a lifetime when he married Sue. He loved spending time up north at his cabin in Baldwin, MI and fishing with friends at the Whirlpool Hole on the Pere Marquette River as well as Tippy Dam where he caught many Steelhead and Salmon. He and Sue could often be spotted on Nichols or Cranberry Lake pan fishing from their boat. The family enjoyed many of his famous fish fries over the years. He spent several years hunting deer and turkey with his son. He also had a love of collecting and admiring antique cars, especially convertibles, and participated in many car shows. There are wonderful memories of many camping adventures with his family. Throughout the years, the family traveled from coast to coast. In his later years, he and Sue enjoyed many road trips to various casinos. In addition, he spent countless hours cheering on and supporting his children and grandchildren at their sporting events and other activities. Karl was so proud of the many accomplishments of his grandchildren and watching them grow to become responsible and caring young men and women. Karl was a kind, caring, and compassionate man who always had a smile on his face and a kind word for others. Karl was a stranger to no one and loved to engage in conversation with anyone who would listen. Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Stanitzek, his in-laws, George and Irene Brzowski, his brother, Frank Stanitzek, and his sister-in-law, Sally Scheerhorn. There is no way to measure how much he will be missed. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church where Mr. Stanitzek will repose for one hour before the Mass. The family will receive visitors Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW where the Rosary will be prayed Thursday at 7:00pm.

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Karl John Stanitzek

September 22, 1941 - November 9, 2025