So deeply sorry for your loss. I’m grateful to have grown up alongside Jagi & Oliver and to have many fond memories of fun times shared with your family. May Darek’s memory always be a blessing. Thinking of you all and sending so much love and prayers during this difficult time. ❤️

I have the opportunity to meet Derek at St. Christopher; only those few moments were enough to ignite the philia love taught by Our Lord Jesus Christ between Derek and I. May our Good Lord receive him in Heaven and comfort Derek's wife, children and his whole family until that day when we all meet again in Heaven!
I have been praying for Derek's soul and eternal rest from the moment I heard he was in the hospital, I will continue praying for him and definitely I will remember him especially when I visit Port Austin; Derek told me to go there that first time we met at St. Juan Diego, I know he loved it.
Now we share the same love and good memories.
May our Good Lord Jesus Christ grant us all His Peace and our Lady Mary His Mother Pray for us all!  

Deacon Hector

Darek was always so warm and engaging to our family. He made us smile and laugh when he'd tell us stories. He had such a wonderful way about him and was truly a great person. He treasured his family and was always so proud to tell us about what was new. Darek will be missed. Sending much love and comfort to Dorothy, Jagi and Oliver during this difficult time.

It still hasn’t hit me that Darek has gone home.  I worked with him at St. Juan Diego parish for a few fun-filled years.  Too short.  When I am around the church, I half-expect to see him turning the next corner, flashing that winning smile.  His attitude was always positive and I can’t count the days he buoyed me up when I was feeling down.  I remember having lunch with him many times.  He would always share what he had and teach me the finer points of Polish gourmet cooking.  As the saying goes, he would give you the shirt off his back.  I actually DO have some of his shirts and a jacket that has become my favorite.  I also loved talking about cars with him and when one time when I was at wits end about an automotive problem, he put on his jacket went outside and fixed it in about 5 minutes!

All my love goes out to his beautiful family.  I will pray that they find the strength to cope with their loss.  With God’s help we will all get through this together, remembering that we hope to all be united with the Lord in the end.

Darek was such a gentle soul.  My favorite memory of Darek was the day he taught my son Charlie how to ride a bike in about five minutes after I had been trying for months.  
When Oliver got into Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, he was so proud and totally decked out in maize and blue.  He was so excited when Jagi and Dario got engaged.  His family was his pride and joy.  When Dorothy celebrated a milestone a few months ago he gave a beautiful speech to his wife of almost 30 years.  You could always feel the love between them.  
We loved Darek and will miss him.  
The Fumei Family

Talking with Darek after the 12pm Mass at St. Juan Diego last Friday, he was optimistic about the prep work for converting the back of the church into a community space. He suggested there was room for a kitchenette enabling parishioners to enjoy some light refreshment like coffee and donuts, and linger and socialize after Mass. I was in disbelief when I first learned of his passing-my deepest condolences. May our Lord give you all you need in this difficult time.

Głębokie wyrazy współczucia.  Jesteśmy z Wami w tym trudnym czasie.  Zawsze będziemy pielęgnować piękne wspomnienia o Darku 🙏🏻

There are no words that can truly ease the pain of losing someone so special.
Darek was one of those rare people who made everyone around him feel welcome. I will always remember one simple but unforgettable moment—we were talking in the garage, and I was cold. Without hesitation, he grabbed an old jacket, shook the dust off, and put it around my shoulders. That small act of kindness perfectly reflected who he was: thoughtful, caring, and always looking out for others.
He was charming, funny, and full of warmth. Most of all, his family was his greatest love and the center of his world. The love he had for all of you was obvious to everyone who knew him.

Please know that our hearts are with you during this incredibly difficult time. We are praying for strength, comfort, and peace for your entire family. Darek will always be remembered with love, and his kindness will never be forgotten.

With our deepest sympathy, 
Trela Family

My family and I were deeply saddened to hear of Darek’s passing.  Dortha and Darek were like members of our family for many years.  My deepest sympathy to Dortha, Jagoda, Dario and Oliver.
Heaven has gained another saint and Darek’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Judy Ward (Michelle Simasko’s Mother)

I knew Darek for only a short time, but it was long enough to recognize in him a very intelligent man with a generous spirit and a strong sense of service to others. He served well, and I have fond memories of him.
I am deeply saddened by his passing and will miss him. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his family and all who loved him. I will offer the Holy Eucharist for Darek and for his family, asking the Lord to grant him eternal rest and to bring comfort and peace to those who mourn him.

A kind  loving Spirit has left this world much too early and gone back to his creator.
All our love and prayers for the family of Darek.
May you find peace in the love his Spirit has left behind .
The Chevela family. ❤️

my favorite picture of him and our dog maya

We are very sad to hear this news. Darek had a kind and loving heart and we feel lucky to have known him. He had a very special
Way of making chiildren feel loved and my  Mary and George remember that well. 

 We also know how much he loved Dorothy,  Jagoda and Oliver. They were everything to him.  

The Howe Family

I will always be grateful to God for the final gift He allowed me to share with Darek. The last time I saw him was on Friday after he had received Jesus in Holy Communion. Before leaving, he stopped by the rectory to borrow a coffee maker. Then he looked at me and gently said, “Fr. Noel, give me a special blessing. I am going home.”

None of us knew those would be among his last words to me. Looking back, they now sound like heaven whispering through his soul. Having received the Eucharist and the Church’s blessing, Darek truly went home on Sunday evening. Not simply to a place on earth, but to the Father’s eternal embrace. For that sacred farewell and for the privilege of walking with him in those final moments, I will remain forever grateful. MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.

Lord, thank You for the gift of Darek. He came into the fiber of our lives, and though his shadow now fades from our sight, his kindness, love, and friendship remain forever woven into our hearts.

Receive him into Your eternal embrace, where every tear becomes joy and every goodbye becomes everlasting peace. May the light of Christ shine upon him always, and may the memory of his life inspire us to love more deeply, serve more faithfully, and cherish one another more gratefully.

Eternal rest grant unto Darek, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

OBITUARY

Darek Skalski

August 18, 1973 – August 2, 2026

Kaul Funeral Home

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