John W. Stolarz

Throughout his long and fruitful life John Stolarz enjoyed things such as bowling and playing cards, but there was nothing more dear to his heart than his family. He was an attentive husband and dedicated father who came into his prime as a grandfather, and it was clear to see that his grandchildren were the light of his life. If John was around his friends and family usually needed to be a bit more aware of what was going on since he was a true jokester who would do anything in the name of fun. With so much love to give those around him, John greatly impacted the lives of many within his reach.

America was going places during the Roaring Twenties and changing how we got there, too. This was the decade that took us soaring in the clouds as both Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart were making history for the record books in the field of aviation and with the creation of Route 66, traveling across the nation by car had never been easier. Nestled within this colorful decade was the year 1926 that brought much to celebrate for one young family from Posen, Illinois, since it was on June 25th that they announced the birth of a healthy baby boy. John Walter was welcomed into the world by his loving parents, Walter and Josephine (Kolodziy) Stolarz, and was the sixth of eight children in his family. He was raised in a very traditional Polish Catholic family in Posen, a small village in Cook County that is rich in Polish heritage. John attended local schools and was a good student who was known for his superb spelling skills. Despite his intellectual abilities, John left school after the eighth grade in order to help support his family. At that time he found work in a defense plant since WWII was escalating overseas.

As a young man life took John in a few different directions. With a desire to serve his country, John joined the Army as soon as he came of age. After his duty to his country was fulfilled he returned to Illinois and went to work with his brothers. They started their own business called Stolarz Plastering, specializing in residential construction. Not to be forgotten during this time was a certain young girl John had known since he was a young boy. Her name was Veronica Kwansy and as they grew older, they sometimes met up at local dances. Eventually their casual relationship blossomed into true love, and they became husband and wife on May 12, 1956.

Great joy was in store for the young couple when they were blessed with the birth of their first child, John Jr. While their son was still a newborn baby their family of three moved to Vicksburg so that John could own a large parcel of land. Their family grew to include two girls, Grace and Sue, and they raised their children in a loving home out in the country. In order to support his family John worked as a construction worker in commercial construction. His career first took him to Miller-Davis and then to Docsa Associates where he remained until he retired in 1988 at the age of 62 when a heart attack dictated his need to slow down. Although work kept John busy through the years he always found time to support his children.

With his leisure time, John enjoyed a variety of activities. He was an active member of St. Martin Catholic Church where he served as an usher for over 40 years. John loved bowling and was on various leagues through the years. He frequented both Airway Lanes and Lakeshore Lanes. John was a member of the Polish National Alliance with whom he went to bowling tournaments, and he also served as president of his senior bowling league for a time. He loved playing cards including poker pinochle, and euchre, and he also kept busy doing crossword puzzles and walking. In fact, John regularly walked all around the town of Vicksburg after his heart attack where he enjoyed seeing the village and the residents as well.

Nothing could have been better than becoming a grandfather according to John. During that time in his life he had more free time on his hands than he did as a father so he was able to be an active part of the lives of his grandchildren. John went to as many of their school and sporting events as he could where he was their greatest supporter. He was also available for babysitting the young ones, and it made it so much easier for his daughter, Grace, knowing that it was John who was doing the babysitting when she had to be away.

Life became more difficult for John and those who love him when he came down with pneumonia in October of this past year. He was never able to fully recover and this triggered a downhill battle with his health. Although his spirit was willing, John’s body was eventually no longer able to overcome the war waged against it, and he drew his last breath at Rose Arbor Hospice.

With his friendly and outgoing nature John Stolarz was the sort of man whom everyone seemed to know. He was kindhearted and generous with his time, but nothing was of greater significance to him than the time he spent with his family. John knew what it meant to put in a hard day’s work, but he also knew how to have fun with his family and friends. A true blessing in the lives of many, John will be deeply missed.

John W. Stolarz of Vicksburg died Thursday, March 10, 2011. John’s family includes his wife Veronica; his children, John Jr. (Joan) Stolarz, Grace Richards, and Sue Stolarz; his grandchildren, Samantha & Edward Stolarz and Dawn & George Richards; his sisters, Adeline Jacobson, Joanne Bergl and Marion Wainwright; as well as many other relatives. John was preceded in death by his sisters, Sophie Whitney and Helen Livers, as well as his brothers, Joseph Stolarz and Alexander Stolarz. Visit with his family and friends, view his life story film and share light refreshments on Sunday from 2:00-7:00 with a Rosary being recited at 6:30 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (649-1697) and on Monday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Martin Catholic Church; 5855 East W Avenue, Vicksburg where Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. Please visit John’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or St. Martin Catholic Church.