Walter Robert Ciolek

Walter Robert Ciolek, age 88 of Warren, died Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Cherrywood Nursing & Living Center in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He was born September 13, 1928 in Hamtramck, son of the late Walter and the late Geneive (nee: Michalski) Ciolek.Born and raised in Hamtramck, it is where he grew in stature and graduated from high school. A couple of years following that milestone, Walter embarked upon another important event,…his marriage to that beautiful woman who stole his heart, Miss Danuta Caroline Banka. The two lovebirds were joined as one in 1950, and a year later would welcome their firstborn into their lives,…the beginning of what would be the 1st of 6 children and span 16 years. Walter & Danuta reflected often and lovingly about their 50th wedding anniversary and what a wonderful celebration it turned out to be. They would go on to share another 12 years together until Danuta's death on January 21, 2012.As for Walter's work history, it involved an eclectic array of talents and experiences that define what an all-around kind of guy he was in each aspect,…and he began working at an early age, 15 to be exact. In 1943, Walter was hired as a stock boy for the Federal Department Store. At the age of 17, he added Beer Deliverer to his young resume. Though he was a bit underage, the folks at the E & B Distributing Company must have sensed Walter's hard-work ethics and decided to put it to work. For his sophomore thru senior years of high school, Walter attended the Georgia Military Academy and ultimately graduated in 1946. His return home found him furthering his education by attending the Detroit Business Institute from 1946 thru 1948, and from where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. When Walter entered the work force following school, his "day job" was at the Dodge Truck Assembly Plant, and his "night job" was at Detroit Plastics. That night job, and working with plastics, must have ignited something within his wheelhouse of strengths as it is the primary focus of the work he knew for almost 40 years. From places such as Creative Industries, to GM's Fisher Body Plant, and Chrysler's plant in Highland Park, plastics is what Walter knew and where his expertise was held in the highest regard. Other career aspects included clay modeling, product planning, corporate merchandising, and show & prototype car construction, all of which kept him centered within the automotive realm. And perhaps one of his most shining and memorable moments in his career was being a part of creating the first Corvette body mold. WOW!Yet in telling the story of Walter, it certainly isn't merely about work. He truly knew how to balance work with fun, and did so Michigander style. Hunting, fishing and boating were the name of the games, for sure. For 40 years, Walter joined the throngs of the thousands who stepped into the woods for a little deer hunting. But his experiences were a bit unique as it wasn't simply with a couple of buddies,…Walter was proud to be a member of the Norway Hollow Club, a fraternal bunch of guys who joined together to "Bag the Big One." Located east of Gaylord in the hamlet of Hillman, it was a quest that Walter enjoyed as often as possible. For over 55 years, another of Walter's favorite pastimes was enjoyed on the waters of both Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair each time he cast his fishing line into those fish havens looking for the "catch of a lifetime." Though there was a little bit of exertion involved in actually getting his line in the water, the benefit to the sport was in the peacefulness and serenity of the wait. But of all the passions he held, Walter will forever be remembered for his love of boating. Along with affording him transport to a favorite fishing hole, his water vessels provided him countless hours of fun and entertainment,…and of course, a perfect way to enjoy the Great Lakes in all their splendor. Aside from the 2 boats he personally built from mold, Walter was proud to have Captained the following; a 14ft Oak Wood, an 18ft Fiberglass Crosby, a 19ft Aluminum, a 24ft Sea Ray, a 17ft Chrysler Center Console, and a 23ft Fishawk. And while on the subject of motorized fun, there definitely needs to be a mention about the pride Walter held for his 1st car,…his prize 1942 Dodge 4-door sedan.A loving husband, father and grandfather, Walter made life so much richer simply by being a part of the many who were blessed to know him. He touched the hearts and lives of so many, for so many different reasons, and leaves his mark on the souls of them all to eternity. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.Walter was the beloved husband of the late Danuta "Donna" Ciolek. Loving father of Gary (Pat) Ciolek, Dawn (the late Gregory) Cesul, Kim Ciolek, Jody (Dennis) Iovan, Matt (the late Julie) Ciolek, and Scott Ciolek. Brother of Loretta Demski, Pat Brady, and Jeanette Fox. Loving grandfather of Brandon, Ashlee, Shawn, Ryan, Jacqueline, Myles, Alex, and great- grandfather of Ella, Casimir, Lianna, and Isabell.Visitation for Walter will be held Friday, December 9th from 3-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. He will lie in state on Saturday from 10:00 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 am at St. Louise Catholic Church in Warren. Memorial donations are welcomed to the Julie Ciolek Scholarship Fund, or to the PATH Foundation ( www.PassingAlongTheHeritage.com )Please share memories of Walter at his memory book above.