John Joseph Dziurman

John was my friend for 60 years and husband for 58 of those years. Through good times and bad, John was always there. He never let me down. He never let his family and friends down. If any of us needed anything, he was on it, no matter how much trouble it might be for him. Help a friend -- of course he would!

Architecture was his career and joy; his family was his passion and joy. He has always been there for me and our two daughters, son-in-law, and granddaughter in every way he could and loved us to the nth degree. His catholic upbringing instilled much in him and which he held onto throughout his life.

Beside my father, John was the hardest working man I’ve ever known. His integrity was beyond doubt, and his honesty right beside it. He never compromised to make a profit or make a job easier. When he worked for a client, he gave it his all to make sure they got his best. He loved contemporary architecture, but historic preservation was his love in the latter part of his career, and he was great at it.

I will never get over loosing him, but I will be strong because of him and who he was. I wish him Gods speed on his journey and will hold him in my heart till we meet again. I love you, John, and that’s forever.

Your wife,

Kathy

***

Stories about John

1. In approximately 1960, John and a good friend drove cross country to Mexico in his friends Triumph sportscar. They were on their way to visit his friend’s friend, who was a famous Mexican Matador. The triumph broke down in the desert, and they had to push it to the nearest town. But they got to the matadors home and spent their days at bull fights and nights in cantinas.

2. John worked for world famous architect Bill Kessler who recruited him to be on his sailboat crew for a race on Lake St. Claire. A storm blew up, and winds hit the sailboat, dropping it toward the water. John fell off the boat and caught his foot in one of the ropes. He ended up under the boat. Bill Kessler jumped in and cut John free. John lost everything that was in his pockets.

3. In 1959, a couple of John's friends had invitations to Charlotte Ford's debutante party at the Country Club of Detroit in Grosse Pointe Farms. John didn't have an invitation but walked in along side his friends who said, "He’s with us -- forgot his invite." That evening John danced with Charlotte Ford who said, “ I’m sorry, I don’t recall your name.” John replied, “Don’t you remember me? I’m John Daugherty!“ Charlotte replied, "Oh, that's right, we met at such and such party." Later that night, Charlotte’s father, Henry Ford II, addressed the crowd and said, “Thank you all for attending Charlotte's debut, those invited and those who were not. Hope you had a great time!"

4. While at a party at a small lake at night, John jumped in for a swim to a distant raft. He began to falter, and the a friend from the Mexico trip jumped in and pulled him to shore. His friend happened to be a funeral director!

***

Funeral Readings

My soul is deprived of peace,

I have forgotten what happiness is;

I tell myself my future is lost,

all that I hoped for from the Lord.

The thought of my homeless poverty is wormwood and gall;

Remembering it over and over

leaves my soul downcast within me.

But I will call this to mind,

as my reason to have hope:

The favors of the Lord are not exhausted,

his mercies are not spent;

They are renewed each morning,

so great is his faithfulness.

My portion is the Lord, says my soul;

therefore will I hope in him.

Good is the Lord to one who waits for him,

to the soul that seeks him;

It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.

--- Lamentations 3:17-26

We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus

will raise us also with Jesus

and place us with you in his presence.

Everything indeed is for you,

so that the grace bestowed in abundance

on more and more people

may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.

Therefore, we are not discouraged;

rather, although our outer self is wasting away,

our inner self is being renewed day by day.

For this momentary light affliction

is producing for us an eternal weight of glory

beyond all comparison,

as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen;

for what is seen is transitory,

but what is unseen is eternal.

For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent,

should be destroyed,

we have a building from God,

a dwelling not made with hands,

eternal in heaven.

--- 2 Corinthians 4:14—5:1

***

Condolence Messages

John was a great boss. I truly loved working with him for all the years I did. Always thoughtful and caring and always there to help you. He taught me alot. I would have never known as much architecture if it wasn't for him. I can read blueprints, do a CAD flyover. Run blueprints. These are just a few and I was only the Administrative Assistant. He made my job enjoyable and even up till 8 years ago cause I moved him and Kathy sent me Christmas Cards. My love and prayers to Kathy, Kimberly and Tiffany and the whole family. He will truly be missed. God bless John and rest in peace.

-- Kimberly Stanislawski Musial Parker

I remember John for his vitality, intelligence, any wry sens6 of humor. I do remember being honored to stand up for your wedding, who was that girl? I am sorry I couldn't attend. I wanted to share the story Walter wrote after he and your John's father wrote after their trip to Poland in the 70"s. I found a copy when Nancy and I moved to Chelsea. I had a .pdf made up for my siblings and I would be happy to send it to you if you would like. The caveat is that Walter managed to piss off some of the family, so if you want it, I would be happy to pass it along but not treat it as gospel. Your John contributed with a copy of his resume which no doubt was accurate, but gives you an idea of Walter's scholarship. But you're interested, please send me your email to me at [email protected] All my best.

-- John Zajac

I am deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. I remember him very fondly as a major part of my early professional life in Detroit.

After working together briefly in an engineering office in downtown Detroit, John was able to find a position at Meathe - Kessler, a prestigious firm in Grosse Pointe. It was John's recommendation that made it possible for me to join him there. I will be forever grateful to him for that. From then on, thanks to John's humor and quick wit, I enjoyed a close relationship with my colleague that was special and memorable. Of course, after tho two of you were married (where I was lucky enough to catch your garter) I keep fond memories of the times we were able to spend together. Every Christmas time I would feel deep guilt at receiving your thoughtful cards and never ever sending one. But I hope you weren't hurt or offended. The truth is I never sent anyone a card! I now semi-retired, happily married and lining in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains above Pasadena. In the event you ever have occasion to visit the Southern California area, please let us know. It would be good to see you again. Kathy, please know that I am with you in suffering the loss of Jonn.

-- Joe Bricio

1492 E. Loma Alta Dr., Altadena, Ca. 91001

cell: 818 968 1187

So sorry to receive your news. I understand your decision to reach out for Hospice support. This was a smart move. You are so correct that your dad has been such a great example and role model for many of us. Wow, we will miss him. He has cast a long shadow that influenced so many people. It was a pleasure consulting with him on historical projects. He has saved many buildings in our area. For me he gets credit for saving the John Dodge Farmhouse on Oakland University’s campus. People wanted to tear it down. He examined it and reported “ the surface is bad, but the bones are solid “. On his recommendation it still survives today. On the Rochester Hills Historic District Commission he was the person we all turned to, so we could do things right. I loved his Christmas cards of the buildings he visited. We had fun talks about the human-building connection. Tell him we are thankful for all he has done. I want to say, I love you for all you have done, for being a friend.

-- Rich Stamps

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I will always remember him as a warm, friendly and caring man. I’m praying for you and your family during this very difficult time. May you feel God’s peace in the middle to the pain. Love and Hugs,

-- Karen Biebuyck

[email protected]

I’m very sorry. In addition to a wonderful family he had an extremely accomplished career. I learned a lot from him during my time on the HDC. Thank you for letting me know.

-- Bret Rasegan

Your dad and mother were two of the nicest people I know. I knew your father better because of all the interaction on historic preservation projects. We were in the Michigan Jaycees about the same time and that helped open some doors between us. He never said no to me about some silly project and fortunately we had many very fruitful and interesting discussions. Some of the projects I had the opportunity working with him, sometimes nothing more than furnishing him photos or information of various sites, were when he was Rochester Hills Historic District Commission Chair, helping to save the farmstead at Rochester University, losing the fight to save the house on S. Rochester Road. He and I combined forces on saving of the Meeting House Restaurant original building, saving the Rochester Elevator ( a 15 year battle), working on returning a theatre to the Rochester Plaza building and the list goes on and on.

I do not know if I will ever meet someone who was so giving of his time for historic preservation. I will forever be thankful for what he taught me. When he leaves, the world has lost a great asset.

-- Rod Wilson

I am so sorry to learn this terrible news about my dear friend John. The four of us had so much fun together. I have no words to make all of you feel better. Losing a loved one is so hard. The memories we all have are ours forever. Love,

-- Richard Mueller

So sorry to hear. Working with your dad on the HDC and the elevator and theater projects, I came to respect him for his knowledge and commitment to historic preservation. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

-- Brian Dunphy

In 1989 the City of Rochester Hills acquired the Van Hoosen Farm buildings and 12 acres from a private developer. John helped to write the specifications to allow us to hire an architectural firm to assess our site and these buildings, determine costs, and to launch us on a 30 year effort to restore these buildings. This would have been a project John would have liked to do, but he set aside his own needs to help represent the City to get a firm that could guide us going forward. That investment of his time in 1989 has paid dividends 34 years later.

-- Pat McKay

I worked with John just a few times in the area of historic preservation. Even in those brief encounters, he shared information that made me a little wiser and a little smarter about historic preservation. His perspective was invaluable, his passion undeniable and he definitely had a very positive impact on the greater Rochester community. Thank you!

-- Christine Hughes

We are so very sorry for your loss. John lived such a beautiful and accomplished life. He will be missed, though his legacy will live on forever. All our love,

-- Joe & Jenna Dziurman and family

We always admired the house John created and built on Oaklane and one day hoped to build a contemporary home too. We were able to accomplish that in 2005 in Santa Fe NM. John’s architectural style was a great inspiration.

-- Beverly & Dennis Little

Dear Dziurman Family, Please accept our condolences for your great loss. Former neighbors at 101 Oaklane

-- Paul, Mary Jane, Paul II, Matt & Megan Croissant

Kathy Kim and Tiffany, I’m so sorry for the loss of Uncle John. He was a great man who always welcomed me into the family many years ago! I remember all the beautiful Christmas’s we had with all the beautiful huge trees! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as you try to get used to a new normal🙏🏻💔 RIP Uncle John. Love,

-- Dawn Dziurman

My memories of John come from working together on projects in Rochester. I always thought of and knew him as a wonderful friend, a husband and father who loved always. He was a role model always and I know he will be missed.

-- Ron Kevern

Hi Tiffany,

Rich Stamps forwarded me your message to him that your dad passed away Thursday. I was saddened to hear it. I remember when I last saw him at a library event, he was not really himself then, but did not realize it had come to this. He was a good man. I always enjoyed being around him. Not only did I always learn something, but we usually had a good laugh about something. I liked your comment about the fact that "he lived his life with integrity, honesty, determination, and grit along with an incomparable creative energy." Those would have been my words. As you noted later, he was also a highly accomplished expert in his field and was always generous in sharing both that knowledge and his time with others. I didn't know that he mentored other aspiring students, but it didn't surprise me. It made me laugh when I read about his times sitting out on the deck of the Charlevoix house smoking a cigar, watching the sunset and probably sharing some good stories. That must have been fun.

My dad knew him before I did, probably through the building trade, so his favorable reputation had proceeded him in our house. It was also interesting to learn they both enjoyed sailing, something I got from my dad. Having already been through this and probably similar events leading up to it with both my parents and sister, I know you, your mom and the rest of your family will have had some tough times with what unfortunately, will be more to come. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you though as you attempt to move forward. Thank you for sharing your dad with the rest of us. It was a pleasure knowing him. He will be truly missed.

Bruce Hawkins

* * * * * * * * * *

John Joseph Dziurman, age 81, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, passed away on February 16, 2023, at home after a long illness with family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Katherine, father of Kimberly Dziurman and Tiffany Dziurman Stozicki (Michael), and Papa to granddaughter Katherine Stozicki. John provided his family with everything they needed, especially love, and was there for them every step of the way. He lived his life with integrity, honesty, determination, and grit, along with an incomparable creative energy.

Born on July 5, 1941, in Hamtramck, Michigan, to John Leonard Dziurman and Helen (Sklarski) Dziurman, John was a young altar server at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, played sports, and attempted to play trumpet. At eight years of age, he often studied the houses across the street from his family’s home on Longview Avenue in Detroit, sitting on the curb to sketch them. This favorite childhood pastime led to a successful and award-winning career in architecture.

John attended St. Ambrose Catholic High School from 1955-1959. Among his greatest personal accomplishments was playing the center position as No. 90 on the storied St. Ambrose High School football team of the late 1950s. Upon graduation, both Dartmouth College and the University of Michigan recruited him to play football, but John turned them down to focus on studying architecture, his lifelong passion. As a student at St. Ambrose, John also played hockey and baseball, returning after graduation to coach football.

On October 3, 1964, John married the love of his life, Katherine Rasegan, in a ceremony at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. They honeymooned in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, which inspired a lifelong love of the water and summers spent making memories with family on Lake Michigan.

John joined Meathe Kessler Associates in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, in the early 1960s, working on the prestigious W. Hawkins Ferry House, among other projects. He attended evening classes at both the University of Detroit and Lawrence Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1970. John’s 60-year career included positions with Giffels Associates, Straub VanDine Dziurman Architects, Wade Trim Group, and Wade Trim Dziurman. In 1979, he established John Dziurman Architects Ltd. with offices in Rochester and Charlevoix, Michigan, which he continued to manage until 2020.

Early in his career, John focused on modern and contemporary design. Later, he became a champion for historic preservation, winning awards for his restoration of the Western Knitting Mills Building, U.S. Post Office Building in Rochester, Haig’s of Rochester building and façade in Rochester, Michigan, and the Greensky Hill Indian Mission United Methodist Church in Charlevoix, Michigan, to name a few. Additionally, John earned over 40 design awards from such industry organizations as AIA Michigan/AIA Detroit, Engineering Society of Detroit, and the Masonry Institute of Michigan.

Because of his love for architecture and design, John enjoyed mentoring young architects, serving as adjunct instructor in the Education Department at Michigan State University and the Architectural School at Lawrence Institute of Technology. He published numerous papers and articles on architecture and design and held design and technical patents in the United States and 12 foreign countries. His pursuit of creative and functional design was an inspiration to many.

John was a member of the Grosse Pointe Jaycees; the University Club in Detroit; charter member of the Downtown Development Authority, City of Rochester; lifetime charter member of the Paint Creek Center for the Arts, City of Rochester; chair of the Rochester Hills Historic District Commission; and commissioner for the Rochester Historical Commission, City of Rochester. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, Michigan Society of Architects, Engineering Society of Detroit, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Michigan Historic Preservation Network, and the Rochester-Avon Historical Society.

John loved spending time with his family and having dinner “around the table” with everyone talking and sharing stories. He was a consummate gentleman and a class act. His stories were legendary. John made the best gin and tonics and loved to sip an occasional martini and smoke a cigar while sitting on the deck of his summer home overlooking the sunset on Lake Michigan. Early in life, John was an avid sailor. He also enjoyed playing golf and squash, doing carpentry work around the house, working outside, reading, sketching, fishing, skiing, and spending time near the water. He loved every sunset he was fortunate to see. A Spartan through and through, John was proud that both daughters graduated from Michigan State University. His granddaughter was his pride and joy. John’s favorite flower was the daffodil – a symbol of hope and rebirth, the first flower to emerge following the cold, dark days of winter.

John is survived by his loving wife, Kathy, his daughters Kimberly and Tiffany, son-in-law Michael Stozicki, granddaughter Katherine Stozicki, sister Darlene Sokolowski, and many loving nieces and nephews. His brother, Theodore Dziurman, preceded him in death.

John’s family will receive relatives and friends at a visitation on Wednesday, February 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary service at 6:30 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive, Rochester, Michigan, 48307. A funeral mass for John will be held on Thursday, February 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 15020 Hampton, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, 48230. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, St. Ambrose Catholic Church, or the Michigan Historic Preservation Network.