William Edward Ponkowski

He was born in Detroit on February 9, 1922, to Sophie (Gebel) and William Ponkowski.

William was the beloved husband of Theresa Victoria (Wisniewski) Ponkowski for 69 years; dear Father of Victoria Lewis (Jim), Ann Hoban (Michael), Margaret Hoppe (Dennis), William (Rosanne), and Timothy (Nancy); cherished Grandfather of Rebecca Hoban (Jai Mazwi), Benjamin Hoban (Jennifer), Emily Hoban, William Ponkowski (Jenelle), Matthew, Elizabeth, Timothy, Michael and Jennifer Ponkowski; loving Great Grandfather to seven great granddaughters.

Bill served in the US Army during WWII as a mechanic. He used his love of automobiles and his ambition to establish himself in the auto parts business. He owned several stores in the Detroit area, starting with Bray Auto Parts in the area of Detroit he grew up in, to Glendale Auto Parts in Farmington. He was instrumental in helping others get started, as well.

He loved to drive and was always in search of a new place to move to. Over their married years they lived in many homes in Detroit and its suburbs, and also spent several years in Arizona before returning to their home state.

Visitation will be from 4:00pm-8:00pm on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the Union Lake Chapel of the Elton Black and Son Funeral Home, 1233 Union Lake Road, White Lake, with a rosary service at 6:00pm. Funeral mass will be held at 1:00pm (In State 12:30pm) at St. Perpetua Church, 134 Airport Road, Waterford. There will be a luncheon following the mass at Uptown Grille, 3100 E West Maple Road, Commerce Charter Twp. at 2:30pm. Interment will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Please email "[email protected]" if you intend to be at the luncheon. In lieu of flowers please send donations to http://lourdesseniorcommunity.org/give-a-gift/ for Mendelson Assited Living.