Daniel E. Kostrzewa

Daniel Kostrzewa, 87, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2012, at home surrounded by his loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 12, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Loren Kalinowski presiding. Cremation will follow and his ashes will be interred at Calvary Cemetery the following day (Friday) at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5-9 p.m. at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home, 2300 S. Lincoln Rd. with the Vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Thursday one hour prior to Mass. Dan was born July 1, 1924, in Saginaw, son of the late Joseph and Anna (Budzinski) Kostrzewa. Following high school, he attended Davison College for a brief period before joining the U.S. Army Air Force. He served from 1942-1945 during World War II as both a bombardier and instructor on B-17s, B-24s and B-29s. Dan dedicated much of his life to his community. He was a State Trooper for the Michigan State Police from 1947-1980 as both a sergeant and lieutenant. He served as the Mt. Pleasant Post Commander from 1960 until his retirement in 1980. He was honored for his devising, what is commonly known today as a, road block system directed at the apprehension of fleeing criminals. In 1950 he received a Bravery Citation in Mackinac County for disarming a man during a hostile, dangerous situation. His dedication to his community was rewarded as Dan was bestowed the honor of Citizen of the Year in 1977. He was instrumental in the erection of Community Memorial Stadium and the development of McDonald Park at Union Township fields. He was also a community coach, member of the Rotary Club and Mt. Pleasant Knights of Columbus Council 1297. In his prime and even into his later years, Dan was an excellent and competitive athlete. At one time he played second base for the Chicago White Sox minor league baseball system. He owns a perfect 300 bowling game, was inducted in the Mt. Pleasant Bowling Association Hall of Fame, and was a Club Champion at Riverwood Golf Course. But to all of his past accomplishments, nothing was more important to him as his faith, which he practiced as a member of Sacred Heart Parish, or his wonderful family whom he leaves behind. Dans marriage to Ruth Bentgen in 1949 produced nine children of which eight survive, Michael (Lihting) Kostrzewa of Mt. Pleasant, Daniel (Missi Yeomans) Kostrzewa of Traverse City, Thomas (Jean Ogilvie) Kostrzewa of Kalamazoo, Lucy (Tom Lehmann) Kostrzewa of Westhaven, CA, Amy (Ken Roth) Kostrzewa of Northville, James (Amy) Kostrzewa of Traverse City, Mark (Kate) Kostrzewa of Montara, CA, and Julie (Scott) Staudacher of Rockford. After Ruths death, Dan married Mary Murphy in 1968 and together they had Dans 10th child, Kevin (Tonya) Kostrzewa of Kalamazoo. Dan is also survived by his son-in-law, Bob Horan of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren, Isabella, Grace and Daniel Kostrzewa, Connor Kostrzewa, Ben (fiance, Glenna Stewart) and Alex Kostrzewa, Cl, Maeve (Ian) Pitts and Leah Diggins, Aubrey and Kaureen Horan, Avery Kostrzewa, Devin Kostrzewa, Nick and Lydia Staudacher, and Kayleigh, Reid, Estella, AmoNora and AboFiffi Kostrzewa; one great-granddaughter, Makayla; five siblings, Rita (Al) Demko of Saginaw, Ray (Patricia) Kostrzewa of Saginaw, Andy (Kay) Kostrevagh of Kalamazoo, Joan (John) Neuerberg of Saginaw and Joe (Tracy) Kostrzewa of Traverse City; and numerous nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth in 1967; second wife, Mary in 2009; daughter, Dorothy Horan in 2008; and brother, Valerian Kostrzewa. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a contribution to Sacred Heart Academy Foundation, Woodland Hospice, or the Commission on Aging. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.