Walerian Szleser

Walerian Szleser, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on January 19, 2025, at the age of 96 surrounded by family and love. Born on December 14, 1928, in Więcbork, a town in northwestern Poland, Walerian has seen a lot of life, starting with living in the depths of World War II, and being drafted into the Polish army. Following his military service, he was trained and worked as a barber, then followed and worked in the circus, where he met the love of his life through the power of prayer, where the story of their family began. In July 1961, Walerian and his beloved wife, Alycia, immigrated with their two children to the United States welcomed in by previously migrated family on the Westside of Grand Rapids. Walerian’s first job was at Davidson Furniture Company. Demonstrating his adaptability and hard work, he later took on a role as a foreman at Stow Davis, a position he held until Steelcase took over the company leading to retirement. Throughout his life, Walerian’s greatest love was his family. He was the husband to his late wife, Alycia, and father to his late daughter, Joanna. He is survived by his son, Andrzej /Andy (Tina) Szleser. Walerian was a proud grandfather to Rachel & Daniel Szleser, and Jeff & Stephanie Hainer. He also leaves behind his cherished great-grandchildren, Declan and Asher Winstanley. His family remembers him as a man of immense joy, unmatched kindness, happiness, and loads of love. “Love each other,” was the sentiment in which he lead his life. Walerian enjoyed fishing, gardening, and taking time to share his stories of his remarkable life. Life experiences including losing his mother as a young child, the hardship of living in Poland during the occupancy of Nazi’s regime, the fait that lead him to the joy of his beautiful wife, surviving a train crash here in the States, and many more tales that will be respected and cherished. His enjoyment and appreciation of the simple things live on through those he touched. His smile will be missed, but will survive through his family forever. Please join us at any of the following gatherings. Visitation and Funeral Services: Visitation: Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary : 3525 Remembrance Road NW, Walker, MI 49534. A Rosary will be prayed Sunday January 26, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the funeral home . Visitation: Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Basilica of St. Adalbert: 654 Davis Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. • Catholic Mass: Monday, January 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Basilica of St. Adalbert, followed by a luncheon. Burial to follow the luncheon at Holy Cross: 2000 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Walerian Szleser’s journey was one of perseverance, love, and extraordinary experiences. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Tributes

Walerian Szleser

December 14, 1928 - January 19, 2025