Casimir Edward Markowski

Casimir E. Markowski, age 94 of Warren, died Thursday, February 28, 2013 at Sanctuary at the Abbey Nursing Home in Warren. He was born on May 4, 1918 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, son of the late Frank and the late Anna (nee: Rzewnicki) Markowski. Casimir was quite the devout and focused student throughout his growing years, and a proud graduate of St. Stanislaus High School. His early years were also marked with pride for the time he spent at the C.C.C. Camps building upon the finer points of hard work, discipline and camaraderie. It was the skills and training he received during that time in his life that would ultimately prepare Casimir for the next important step ahead,...his service to our country in World War II as a soldier in the U.S. Army.So it is, with thanks and praise from a grateful nation, that we pay homage to Casimir for the call to duty he so proudly served during the war effort. From May 1941 to December 1945, Casimir wore his uniform with patriotism and pride, and served our country with the same. He ultimately attained the rank of Sergeant and was decorated for his skills and talents as an Expert Marksman. For the sacrifices made and the bravery he showed, we honor Casimir for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today because he was there.For Casimir, 1945 proved to be a pretty special year. Not only did it find him returning from the war, it was also the year that his life was gloriously changed when he and his "Sweetheart from Biloxi, Mississippi" were joined as husband & wife. In the eyes of God, family and friends, the love story between Casimir and his beloved Dorothy were changed forever as the two became one,...a love story that ensued for the next 67 years. Together, they grew deeper in love with each passing day and enjoyed a storehouse of blessings building upon the warmth of home and family.As for his work history, Casimir was a loyal and devoted employee of the Chrysler Corporation where he worked as a Shipping Clerk. For over 30 years, he extended the utmost in dedicated service, and was proud of his extra efforts while serving as a Union Representative as well. When he wasn't working, Casimir's life was one that held an eclectic array of interests and highlights. Perhaps one of the most unique of these would be the years he spent in the boxing ring. Known more professionally to the gang down at Kronk's Gym in Detroit as "Eddie Marko," he was quite the pugilist and earned many accolades and awards for his skills. Yet one of his greatest moments in boxing was realized the day that he met the infamous, Joe Lewis,...an experience he never forgot.Another pastime that kept Casimir occupied, throughout his entire life, was his voracious appetite for the knowledge of words,...especially those 15 center's and above. The bigger the better! Even though his interest began as a lad, his appetite was nourished even further during the war years when he spent many of those days and hours reading through the dictionary in his down times. Ultimately, Casimir became known as a "walking dictionary" and a wonderful source for anything having to do with definitions. As his family reflects, he was the Master of Words and "could out-write a Philadelphia lawyer." Yet his intellect didn't end there. Casimir was also quite fluent in Polish to include speaking, reading and writing. Obviously, he was an avid reader and was quite fond of his favorite author, Thomas Wolfe. It was from the same that Casimir adopted a couple phrases that followed him through life like a mantra that he shared with all,...and" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">...and many will never forget as he opined; "Time goes by" ~ "And the river flows."As for hobbies, one of his greatest passions was drawn from his own backyard where his green thumb and TLC were quite evident through the beautiful display in Casimir's Rose Garden. For family and friends alike, his timeless efforts and nurturing care produced a visual splendor that could only come from the heart of an artist. For some, this comes with a brush & canvas. For Casimir, it was his pruning shears and God's soil from whence came his creativity. When it came to more of the element of fun, there was no mistaking Casimir's love of bowling. Though he may have not been all that great at it, there was never a lack of the great memories he shared, along with his wife, Dorothy, in the mixed-doubles leagues they played in. Then there were the traits that will forever keep him renowned. Always the joker and eager to make people laugh, some of his funniest moments came whenever a camera was nearby. He was definitely a "Camera Ham!" Also known for his love of children, he found especial delight in amusing them with his array of magic tricks. And like many old world guys, Casimir was known for his handyman skills and his hunger to meet every repair challenge that came his way. But perhaps most unique and interesting was his desire to challenge the priests in the many religious debates they shared. Being the voracious reader he was and filled with a plethora of knowledge, it was anyone's guess whether the priest's were eager to engage or shaking in their robes. Either way, Casimir had a ball.Yet, without question, the best times in Casimir's life came through the moments and memories he shared with his precious grandchildren. They were truly the light of his life and a special blessing from God. Together, they shared a lot of unique and "inside" connections, like hearing him say; "Come get your corn"...which was Papa-speak for them to come get their dollar bill. They'll always remember his love for keeping them entertained as well. There was his game of "Detective," and the ever-popular, "Shoot the Rabbit,"...Papa's version of dodge ball. And these are just two of the many, cherished highlights they'll carry with them through each remembrance of their Papa. A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, Casimir's passing leaves an absence that only time can heal,...but his legacy of love leaves behind so many blessings and memories for the heart to hold and embrace with each thought that comes. He touched a multitude of lives along life's way and set a wonderful example of the definition of love. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Beloved husband of Dorothy. Dear father of James (Kelley) Markowski, Kenneth (the late Anna) Markowski, and Linda (Stan) Winiarski. Loving grandfather of Steve (Sian) Markowski, Lori (Taylor) Green, Lisa (Tim) Papiez, Jennifer Winiarski, Jimmy Winiarski, and great-grandfather of Isabella, Taylor, Jacob, and Avery,...and with 2 more on the way.. Visitation for Casimir will be held on Sunday from 3-9pm, with a 6pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. He will lie in state Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edmund Catholic Church, 14025 Twelve Mile Road in Warren. Interment will follow at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan.. Memorial donations, in Casimir's name, are welcomed to Hospice Advantage, 21415 Civic Center Dr., Ste.122, Southfield, MI 48076. Please share memories of Casimir at his memory book.