Ted Czarnecki

A great man has finished his work here on Earth. At 81, Ted Czarnecki went to be with his Lord on September 17, 2024. A proud Polish-American and West-Sider, he was born on August 30, 1943, and shared many stories of growing up with his brothers and sisters on Butterworth Avenue, around the gypsum mines and John Ball Park. He always excelled in sports - - playing football at Union high school and boxing in the Grand Rapids Golden Gloves program. Ted worked in tool and die, mostly at Major Tool & Die but eventually retired from Rapistan (Dematic). Ted met the love of his life in Mary Jo (Gravelin), and they were married on September 18, 1965 - - that’s 59 years of fun, love, travel, and adventures. They made a terrific team. Ted was an extremely proud and involved father of Ted Jr., Mark (Bridget), Molly Gary, and Matt (Kristy) and grandfather of Aidan, Mariana, Will, Ben, and Hazel. He was always eager to attend a child’s or grandchild’s sporting event or recital, play a game, and give a hug. He also shared a special connection with his godson Brian Ritsema and his wife Pam. Ted is also survived by his sisters Shirley Ritsema (Harold), Nancy McPherson (Frank), and Mary Brock (Peter), his sisters-in-law Betty, Joanne and Charlene Czarnecki, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and treasured, life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his father Louis, mother Nellie (Sidlauskas), sister Mary Lou Osytak, brothers Jerry, Tom, and Bob Czarnecki, and sister-in-law, Lois (Gravelin) Mulhull. Throughout his life, Ted was a teacher, mentor, and coach to many young athletes and apprentices. He was naturally engaging, funny and memorable. He loved spending time with friends, golfing, playing cards, giving you the business, and offering you a beer. He was a proud Lifetime member of Polish Falcons Hall, volunteering during Pulaski Days and other events. He loved his Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Over the years, many have shared stories of the times Ted stood up for them and stood by them during tough times. The family remembers so many wonderful trips and summers spent camping or in cottages at Grand Haven. Ted was welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic. When you met him, he always made you want to stick around. And while he will be greatly missed, we know he has found his Eternal Peace. His love and caring and wisdom will be a legacy that continues in the hearts of all who knew him and remember him. A Christian funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday September 24, 2024 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 2510 Richmond St NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Monday September 23 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49534 and at St. Anthony’s one hour before the funeral mass. Monday September 23, 2024 a Vigil Service with sharing will be held at 6:30 pm at the funeral home. There will be a luncheon at church following the mass and a celebration of Ted’s life at his beloved Polish Falcons Hall, 957 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504. In lieu of flowers, mourners may make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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Ted Czarnecki

August 30, 1943 - September 17, 2024