Patrick John Sankuer

Lifelong Warren resident, Patrick John Sankuer, age 95, died peacefully in the home he built with his own two hands on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 surrounded by family and friends. He was a builder and master electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 58 for over 65 years. During his younger years Patrick was a Golden Gloves boxer, loved the great outdoors (hunting and fishing) and won jitterbug dance contests during the Big Band Eraboy he could really cut a rug! He would later hunt deer in upper Michigan, and moose and elk in Colorado and the Canadian wild. He was also a fantastic fisherman having landed a 10-foot marlin in Acapulcoand that's no fish story! He had sparkling blue eyes, stood tall, walked straight, spoke with conviction, was as strong as a bull and moved with lightening speed. And, he could be a jokester, having a great sense of humor, the life of the party, and engaging and entertaining as an emcee. He always spoke proudly of his bride of 64 years and four daughters. At the same time, Patrick met personal and professional responsibilities with seriousness, integrity and an unshakeable strong work ethic. At age 17 he built his first house. He attended Lincoln High School and completed his studies at Cass Tech in the skilled trades (electricity). During World War II he was responsible for keeping the Briggs Plant operational. Following the end of the war, he went to work for the Township of Warren in 1949 as an electrical inspector, became chief electrical inspector, and ultimately retired as Assistant Building Director for the City of Warren in 1982 after 33-1/2 years of service. Patrick was a member of a select group for the Detroit Edison Company known as "The Whiz Kids". He was highly respected throughout the state for his expertise in electricity and construction and his advice was frequently solicited. In the 1960s he served as Chairman of the City's Electrical Board and also as President of the Warren Municipal Federal Credit Union. He wrote part of the National Electrical Code (which remains a permanent part of the code). He went on to teach calculus, electricity and the National Electrical Code at Macomb Community College in the Applied Technology department in his position as adjunct instructor for 17 years during the 1970s and 1980s. Additionally, concurrently throughout his career, he owned and operated Three J's Electrical Service as an electrical contractor and builder. He was a devout Catholic sharing his time, talents and materials for the aid and betterment of others. He was a respected member of the Rotary Club, the Order of the Alhambra, the Knights of Columbus and the Goodfellows, and volunteered his time to many worthy causes. As part of his legacy, he leaves the house he built to help and serve others in the community, taught many to become skilled electricians, and improved the welfare and safety of the residents, schools and businesses of Warren. Predeceased by his beloved wife Jennie, to whom he was devotedly married for 64 years. Loving father of Joann Ziehm, Marie Sankuer, Michelene (Michael) Eberhard, and Annette (Kevin) Geary. Cherished grandfather of Mark (Julie) Ziehm and John (Amanda) Sager. Great-grandfather of Andrew, Lauren, Matthew, and Megan Ziehm. Survived by his siblings Fred (the late Grace), Julia (the late Joseph), Helen (Ronald), Patrick, Gloria and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his siblings Lillian (the late Charles) and Rosemary (Joseph). Visitation Saturday, January 16 and Sunday, January 17 from 2-8 p.m. at the A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Road at Masonic, Warren. Rosary Sunday, January 17 at 7 p.m. Instate Monday, January 18 at 10 a.m. until time of funeral Mass 11 a.m. at St. Faustina Catholic Church (formerly St. Edmund), 14025 Twelve Mile Road, Warren. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Bonaventure Monastery (Detroit).

Funeral Home:

A.H. Peters Funeral Home of Warren

32000 Schoenherr Road,

Warren, MI

US 48088