Greg Lemanski

Greg was born on October 12, 1962, to Leonard and Barbara (Nizio) Lemanski and was raised in Farmington, MI, alongside his siblings, Jeff (Teresa) Lemanski, Lori (Mike) Casper, and Chris (Stacey) Lemanski. In 1987, Greg met the love of his life, Brenda Eileen Collins. They married on April 8, 1989, at People’s Church in East Lansing, sharing a beautiful marriage filled with laughter, friendship, Greg’s signature dad jokes, travel, and an incredible circle of friends. Together, they raised three wonderful sons, Garrett (Ellen), Quinton (special friend Rachel), and Grant (fiancée Jillian), who became not only their pride and joy but also their close friends. Most recently, Greg embraced his favorite new title—Grampy—to his beloved granddaughter, Sophie.

Greg was an ambitious and active child, fondly remembering an idyllic childhood filled with games alongside his siblings and lifelong neighborhood friends. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, holding countless jobs, including running a paper route, working in a cement factory, and cleaning a gas station bathroom, to earn money for chili at Big Boy.

At Farmington High School, Greg excelled in both academics and athletics. He was captain of the wrestling team, an all-conference athlete, and a state qualifier. On the football team, he played center and defensive tackle, also serving as a captain and earning all-conference honors.

At Albion College, Greg continued his athletic career, playing football and lacrosse while working summers for Atlas Van Lines to help pay his way through school. He earned extra money by washing uniforms and volunteered at Starr Commonwealth for troubled boys. A natural leader, he became president of the Sigma Nu fraternity, forging lifelong friendships. After graduation at Albion College in 1984, a college buddy and Greg backpacked through Europe, which kickstarted Greg’s love of travel—an adventure that would shape a lifetime of exploring the world with family and friends.

Following his post-college travels, Greg had many career opportunities, but after interviewing with State Farm, he knew insurance was his calling. He became the youngest State Farm agent hired in Michigan, starting his agency in the basement of an office building before eventually purchasing the very building where his office remains today. Greg took immense pride in his work and cherished the friendships he built with his first customers—many of whom remained close friends. Over his 40-year career, he and his family traveled the world with trips Greg qualified for through State Farm. He also earned the company’s highest awards, multiple times. Known for his wisdom and strong values, Greg often shared simple yet profound words of advice: “Do it right the first time,” “Do the right thing,” “Have fun, do your best, be aggressive,” and “You cheat here, you cheat in life.” These sayings which he lived by, shaped not only his career but also the way he mentored and inspired those around him.

Beyond his career, Greg wore many hats—coach, mentor, friend, father, husband, brother, and most recently, grandfather. A passionate supporter of youth sports, he was instrumental in bringing lacrosse to the Haslett Youth Program and was a beloved coach. Greg was loyal to his family, friends, customers, and State Farm colleagues. His friendships spanned all stages of life, from childhood buddies to Sigma Nu brothers, his “Yahoo” group, and his State Farm family.

Greg’s favorite place in the world was the family compound on Long Lake, where generations of loved ones gathered for family dinners, fish fries, bonfires, water sports, boat cruises, pickleball, holey board tournaments, holiday celebrations and so much more! He also enjoyed his Wednesday golf outings at Meridian Sun and his Tuesday euchre nights. A man of deep faith, Greg was active in several churches throughout his life, most recently attending New Hope Church. He volunteered with Old Newsboys for many years, always finding ways to give back.

Greg will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Brenda; children, parents; Leonard and Barbara, Mother-in-law Eileen Collins, siblings, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Michael and Carol Collins, Brian and Wendy Collins, Michelle Kuri and Joe Criscuolo; nephews and nieces, Alex and (Jacob) Krafft, Ryan Lemanski, Brady and Claire Casper, Christopher and Josh Lemanski, Hannah and (Lincoln) Veitenheimer, Ashley and (Monte) Ketchum, Derek and (Brittany) Kuri, Jeffrey (fiancée Emily,) Bradley Collins, Brandon and Katie Collins and many great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Emmit Collins, and brother-in-law, John Kuri.

The Lemanski family will be eternally grateful for the love and support of our family, our friends, our “Yahoos,” our State Farm family, and Greg’s childhood friends and Sigma Nu brothers.

A visitation for Greg will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823. A celebration of Greg's life will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM at The Peoples Church, 200 W Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823, Rev. Dr. Shawnthea Monroe presiding.

Donations can be made to Old Newsboys or Pancan.org.