Ronald Labun Kurkowski

Ronald Labun Kurkowski “Ron” was born on October 19, 1932 to Anna (Labun) and Joseph Kurkowski in Detroit, Michigan, the seventh born in a family of ten children. A devoted Catholic his entire life, Ron graduated from St Rita’s high school in June 1950 where he played football. Shortly after graduation he joined the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Cascade in the Korean War as a lab technician. He was honorably discharged in June 1956 and loved to share stories from his Navy days to anyone who would listen.

Ron enrolled in Highland Park Junior College and earned his associates degree in June 1959. He then enrolled in what is now Lawrence Technological University. He worked his way through college as a lab technician at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak and graduated with an Industrial Management Degree in June 1963. He was a member of the Newman Club and the Society for Advancement of Management while in college. He was very proud to be an LTU Blue Devil and was a big advocate of college for his children and his grandchildren.

Ron met his wife Patricia at a millionaire’s party and they wed in Detroit Michigan 59 years ago on August 28th, 1962. He was an incredible family man who did whatever he could to help those in need including working two jobs to provide for his family. He was one of the first volunteer coaches and referees for the Livonia Y Soccer program and enjoyed watching all sports activities for his children and then his grandchildren, particularly soccer games. He was also an avid fan of the MSU Spartans, the Detroit Tigers, the Red Wings and even the Detroit Lions. He was fortunate to be able to attend a Rose Bowl Game for the MSU Spartans, a world series game for the Detroit Tigers and a Stanley Cup game for the Red Wings.

Ron worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as an accountant for over 25 years and also at Northville Downs, DRC and Hazel Park race courses cashing and selling tickets in the evenings. He retired in January 1996. For 15 years he spent winters in Florida with his wife Pat where he thoroughly enjoyed many rounds of golf (including two holes in one), good food and drink, and a whole new group of friends with whom to socialize. While in Michigan for the summer, he spent a lot of time on the golf course with various leagues and went to every event he could for his grandchildren. He was also an active member of the BCBSM Retiree Association. Other free time was spent traveling to Navy reunions in various states and other vacations within the United States with his wife by his side.

Ron joined St Colette Catholic church when the family moved to Livonia in 1972 and spent many years volunteering as an usher, an EME and was also involved with the Knights of Columbus and the golf league. His devotion to his Catholic faith was incredible and inspiring to those who knew him well. He loved to go for walks and would often say the rosary while he walked.

Ron was a man who loved people and talking and joking with anyone he met. He also had a soft spot for dogs and could often be caught feeding them scraps from the table. He will be missed by all who knew him, particularly his precious rescue dog Mimi.

Ron is survived by his wife Patricia; daughter Lisa (Michael) Rice and son Kevin (Kelly) Kurkowski; his six grandchildren Jonathon, Eric, Jacob, Megan, Michael and Jennifer; his remaining sisters Zell French and Joan (Ted) DenDooven; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Ronald will lie in state on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 9:30am, until the Funeral Mass that will begin at 10:30am at St. Colette Catholic Church, Livonia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Ron are appreciated to the Michigan Humane Society or the Dr. Thomas A. Dooley Knights of Columbus #5492

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