John Joseph Baginski

John Joseph Baginski, age 89 of Warren, died Thursday, August 22, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 20, 1930 in Detroit, son of the late Joseph and the late Violet (nee: Skuza) Baginski.

As a senior designer for General Motors, John was one of the “shirt & tie guys” whose expertise was highly sought after, and one who extended the utmost in dedicated service to the automotive industry for many years. John’s career called upon the best of his know-how and, in turn, demanded much from him on a daily basis. John was a hard worker who poured the finest of his efforts into everything he did,…and, therefore, enjoyed the benefits of simply “chillin’ at home” on his time away from work. Known quite affectionately as a homebody, John’s definition of R&R needed to venture no further than the confines of his property,…and his homestead provided all the benefits he required to achieve that precious balance between work and play.

As is the case with many homebodies, their fortress and its surroundings are usually well-managed,…as was certainly the case within John’s kingdom. Whether it involved attending to the “inside chores” of maintaining the house and its upkeep, or the “outside chores” of keeping the cars in pristine condition, both mechanically and aesthetically, John was always on top of it and Marlene’s Man proved to be quite the provider and protector.

The outside brought out the finest in John’s “City Farmer” talents as well. Together with Marlene, this husband & wife team were like the real-life “Green Acres” couple personified. Through many laborious hours and their tender-loving-care, John & Marlene maintained a backyard garden that was both a thing of splendor as well as a host to many of the tasty morsels that adorned their table. Possessing quite the green thumb, John spent countless hours tilling the soil and nurturing his garden like a mother caring for its child,…and with just about that kind of love, too.

John was also one who loved the history and magnificence of World War II aircraft. Being an automotive designer, there was an appreciation for all that went into the design, creation, structure, and air-worthiness of these iconic warbirds, a fascination of John’s that never seemed to wane.

Another source of love for John was found in the dogs that graced his home over the years,…German Shepherd’s all. A lover of animals, no matter the breed or species, John possessed a soft spot in his heart for our four-legged friends,…especially when it came to the stately prominence of his sweet German Shepherd’s. There’s no love in life like that received from a family pet, and John’s dogs captured his heart each and every time. Like the movie says; “All Dogs Go To Heaven,”…so there’s a reunion to be enjoyed when they meet in the sky.

Then there was the love that transcended this mortal coil, the love that John held for his Heavenly Father. A man devout in his Catholic faith, the presence and grace of God were both evident in the life he lived and the people he touched,…all through the tender heart of a servant. Having been infused with a special touch by the inimitable Father Solanus, it was an emanation that changed his life and simply enhanced the Godly man that everyone knew John to be.

John was also a premier family man who cherished and adored each life that was entrusted to his care. His family meant the world to him, and each precious moment in their company was the foundation for the countless memories created over the years. A loving husband, father and grandfather, John leaves a legacy of love for all to embrace with each reflection shared. He also lived a life worthy to hear his Father in Heaven state; “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”      

John was the beloved husband of the late Marlene, with whom he shared 56 wonderful years of marriage until her passingin 2009. He was the dear father of Ken Baginski, Dennis (Wendy) Baginski, Richard (Ann) Baginski, John (Marisa) Baginski, and the late Cindy Baginski. Loving grandfather of  Joseph, Jonathan (Chrissy), Deborah (David), Ryan, Krystie, Eric, Justin, Alyssa, and great-grandfather of Jayden, Benjamin, Aubrey, Reagan, and Devin. Brother of Margaret “Peggy” Bleske; brother-in-law of Bill Bagnasco; and preceded in death by siblings, Dorothy Bahorski and Maryann “Pinky” Bagnasco.

Visitation for John will be held Wednesday, August 28th from 3-9 pm, with a 7 pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren.

Mr. Baginski will lie in state on Thursday from 9:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church – St. Clement Site in Center Line. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Please share memories of John at his guest book below.