Ernest Michael Popiel

Ernest Michael "Ernie" Popiel, aged 60, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully July 4, 2006 at home surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Ernie was born on March 27, 1946 in Grand Rapids, MI and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Judy (Freeman) Popiel with whom he shared 37 wonderful years. The greatest joys in Ernie's life were his beautiful children, Melinda (James) Seufert, Jessica (Wayne) Stone and his son, Jordan Popiel. Ernie was a wonderful "Papa" to his grandsons, Jack (3 years) and Charlie (1 week) Seufert. He leaves behind his devoted siblings, James (Ruth) Popiel, Michael (Patti) Popiel, Joseph Popiel and Mary Kay (Garry) Nallenweg as well as many nieces and nephews. Ernie recently retired from Forest Hills Public Schools as a middle school guidance counselor. He was also a passionate varsity girl's golf coach for 15 years at Forest Hills Northern High School. Ernie enjoyed sharing his own love of golf and the life lessons learned through the sport with his own children and all those he coached. Ernie was a warm, friendly, caring man who positively touched the lives of family, friends, students, co-workers and everyone else he came in contact with. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Robert of Newminster Parish on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., Fr. R. Louis Stasker, Presider. The family will meet with friends and relatives at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Friday 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. with a Rosary at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health or Haitian Outreach at St. Robert Parish.