Walter John Machniak

Wally was kind and generous, and he would do anything for anyone (or any animal). He loved caring for dogs and cats and helping them find their “forever home”. He built a heated “cat-io” on the porch for cats to come for warm shelter, fresh water, and a nutritious meal. This is representative of the love and generosity Wally emanated. His joyful personality brought a smile to your face, and his sense of humor always made you laugh.

Wally’s long career at General Motors started on April 20, 1964, when he became a tool & die journeyman. He later moved to the new Tech Center, where he remained until retiring on August 31, 2004. With his innate technical skills, Wally could repair anything. If he couldn’t find the needed part, he would just make it himself.

Wally was immensely proud of his Polish American heritage, studying the Polish language for many years. He said it was very difficult. Wally enjoyed traditional Polish meals, Polish holiday traditions, visits to Poland, and reading “The Polish Santa” every year to his family at Christmas. It always made him chuckle, and sometimes he’d even tear up.

An avid Detroit sports fan, Wally regularly attended, watched, or listened to the Detroit Lions’ and Tigers’ games. He had season tickets to the Lions, where he and Linda would go to cheer on their team! Of course, the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings garnered his attention as well.

Wally was a true outdoorsman. In his youth, he enjoyed EnduroCross racing. He then turned to hunting, fishing, archery, and more motorcycles, of course. A lifelong member of Detroit Archers, he volunteered to help care for the property and archery ranges. He regularly took his children to shoot, and they would all compete as well! Wally also volunteered his time each summer teaching children how to shoot archery as part of their summer camp experience. In addition, Wally loved to golf and bowl. He was in a bowling league every year, where he developed and appreciated many wonderful friendships.

Wally is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda Lukas-Machniak; children John (Yvonne) Machniak, Scott (Kathy) Machniak, and Jill (Timothy-deceased) Gallagher; brother Ronald (Patricia) Machniak; brothers-in-law Timothy (Susan) Lukas, Dennis Lukas, and Raymond Iafrate, and sisters-in-law Claudia (Rick) Sobieski and Donna Machniak; grandchildren Anthony (Sarah) Machniak, Emily Machniak, Matthew (Jana) Machniak, Sarah (Arik) HM Anderson, Andrea Machniak, Kelly Gallagher, Jesse Gallagher and Casey Gallagher; great grandchildren Abigail, Benaiah, Caleb, Gabriel, Elijah and Isaiah Machniak; and many loved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Edward and Viginia Lukas; siblings Richard Machniak and Nancy Iafrate; first wife Rosalyn Dunlap-Gist; and son-in-law Timothy Gallagher.

Visitation for friends and family will be held from 4:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 W. Six Mile Rd., Livonia, MI. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:30 am on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Saint Florian Parish, 2626 Poland Street, Hamtramck, MI, with viewing prior at 9:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Good Touch Group Home, 21071 Tiffany Dr., Woodhaven, Michigan 48183-1619, or to St. Florian Parish, 2626 Poland St., Hamtramck, Michigan 48212.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Good Touch Group Home for their kindness and care during Wally’s recent stay.