Michael Rajter

Michael Rajter Jr., beloved husband, father, papa, brother and friend, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the age of 88. He was born on October 9, 1935, to Michael Rajter Sr. and Victoria (née Rotarian) Rajter in Detroit, Michigan. Michael lived a life marked by unwavering dedication, selflessness, and love.

Michael’s journey of love began in 1952 when he met Dorothy “Marion” Maczko, the love of his life, who had just moved into the house next door. From the moment they met, it was clear that their connection was destined to be. Their love story culminated in marriage at Holy Name Catholic Church in 1954, a testament to the profound bond they shared. Marion knew from the start that Michael was the one for her, and their partnership blossomed into a lifetime of shared joy and devotion.

Michael and Marion built a beautiful life together in Detroit, where they began their family. In 1965, they moved to Warren, Michigan, to raise their children. They have cherished the same home ever since. Michael’s love for his family was boundless; his selflessness and unwavering support defined his role as a husband, father, Papa or “Pup,” and Great Papa. Throughout the years, he would attend his children’s and grandchildren’s various extracurricular activities, whether it be school or sporting events, he was always there supporting them. His family was his world, and he would do anything for them, always putting their needs above his own.

In 1953, Mike enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country. While in the service, he was quickly promoted to the rank of Private-1. After actively serving for two years, Michael was released and transferred to the Army Reserve where he continued to serve as a civilian. Despite having been a Veteran, Mike never boasted about his time serving our country. He was proud to have been a member of the United States Army, but his humility surrounding his time served makes his legacy one of genuine honor and modesty.

Mike was also a hockey coach for many years. He led his hockey team to unprecedented success. Known for his unwavering dedication and support, Mike’s leadership on and off the ice turned countless games into victories. Under his guidance, the team grew immensely and was very successful. Mike’s legacy on the ice is not just in the trophies and accolades, but in the lasting impact he had on his players and the sport he cherished.

His passion for the outdoors led him to build a cherished family retreat in St. Helen, Michigan in 1978. This cottage became a second home and a favorite vacation spot, where countless family memories were made. Michael's love for fishing, gardening, and the natural world was evident in everything he did. His gardens, meticulously cared for, flourished with vegetables, flowers, and trees. He took pride in his love and appreciation for the outdoors.

A true craftsman, Michael was known for his skillful hands and inventive mind. He would often “putz” around finding various projects to take on. Michael never called in a specialist—he was his own specialist. No matter the complexity of the problem, Mike was always determined to find a solution. Even in his free time, Mike loved to solve puzzles…literally. His love for jigsaw puzzles, especially those with 1000+ pieces, was like nothing else. He would document the time it took to complete each puzzle, enjoying the challenge and sense of accomplishment. Mike’s ability to complete puzzles was just another testament to his patience and determination.

Michael was thoughtful, loyal, and humble, with a heart as big as his many talents. His ability to fix anything, his meticulous gardening, and his love for family and the outdoors will be remembered with deep fondness. He was a man who lived his values daily, and his legacy will live on through those who loved him.

Michael is survived by his devoted wife of seventy years, Marion; their loving children; Gary (Beth) Rajter, Gerald Rajter, Mark (Sara) Rajter, and Linda (Steve Thomas) Slinder; his grandchildren Lindsay (Luke) Fisher, Jamie (Calvin) Marshall, Emily (Matt) Upshur, Ryan (Melissa) Rajter, Heather Rajter, Kimberly (Robert) McCarty, Courtney Rajter, Shannon (Derek) Twite, Mallory (Bradley) Wonoski, Erin Miller, Shelby (Cody) Townsend, Taylor Konieczka, Jake Konieczka, Cyle Slinder, Matthew (Molly) Slinder, Nathan Slinder, and Victoria Slinder; his great-grandchildren Julia, James, Lillian, Gavin, Gabriel, Cooper, Jonah, Ruby, Camille, Cameron, Brayden, Oliver, Madalyn, Wheeler, Dominic, Ava, and Lucas; brother Robert Rajter; and a host of friends and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory. He is preceded in death by his parents Michael Sr. and Victoria Rajter; his children Michael and Sharon.

Visitation for Mike will take place on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, located at 30009 Hoover Road, Warren, Michigan 48093. A rosary in honor of Mike will take place at 7:00 pm.

Please join us on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 9:15 am at the funeral home for final goodbyes and prayers. The procession will take us to St. Louise de Marillac Catholic Church, located at 2500 Twelve Mile Road, Warren, Michigan 48092, for a funeral mass which will begin at 10:00 am. Per his wishes, Michael will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike's name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Michael Rajter Jr. will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will continue to live on in those who held him dear.

Please share memories of Michael at his guest book below.