Nick Popiel Jr.

Nick Popiel Jr. of Livonia, formerly of Dearborn Heights, passed away on Aug 15th at the age of 96. Nick is survived by his wife Noreen (Livernois) of 65 years. He is also survived by his sons, Jim (Sheryl), Tom (Denise), Larry (Nicole) and daughter Ann Herrmann (Mike Bruley). His grandchildren, Jason Popiel, Shelley McClorey (Brendan), Brad Popiel (Elaine), Wesley Ward (Nansi), Jessica Fonville (Rob), Cory Hermann (Casey), Timmy Herrmann, Maggie Popiel, Nick Popiel, Sydney Brown (Trevor) and Tommy Popiel, and his 3 great grandchildren, Mila, Theo and Kinsley. He is also survived by his sister Mary Ann Bardelli. Nick was preceded in death by his parents Nick Popiel Sr and Mary (Bernoske), his brothers John and Elmer and sisters Stella Gleason and Nellie (Dolly) Northey.

After graduating from East Pike Run High School in California, PA, Nick entered the U.S. Air Force and served for 2.5 years during World War II. Following his discharge, Nick entered the University of Michigan on the GI Bill and graduated with a degree in Mathematics which led him to an engineering position with Ford Motor where he was employed for 37 years.

Nick was a passionate Michigan fan and longtime tailgater, holding season football tickets for over 50 years. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, rarely missing a sporting event, dance recital or school performance.

When Nick wasn’t home attending his grandkids activities, you could always find him Up North spending time at the cottage he built in the Gaylord area. The place where his grandkids affectionately call "The House in The North."

Nick was one of first members of the Dearborn Heights/District 7 Hockey Association, coaching the very first Mite(7-8) hockey team and continuing to coach for several years.

An avid skier, Nick was a past President of the Ford Thunderbird Ski Club, teaching his children and grandchildren how to ski with he himself downhill skiing until he was 82.

A funeral Mass for Nick will take place on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 11am with a one hour visitation prior at St. Edith Catholic Church -15089 Newburgh Rd, Livonia.

Nick will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery following Mass. A memorial luncheon to continue celebrating Nick's life will be held at 1:00 Monday afternoon following the Cemetery Services. The luncheon will be held at One Under Craft Beer and Eats Banquet facility, 35780 Five Mile Rd., Livonia MI 48154

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions may be made to the Solanus Casey Center/Capuchin Soup Kitchen in memory of Nick.

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