Jack Chulski

Jack Chulski will be remembered as a hardworking man who provided his family with everything that they needed. He was a man with alot to say, and when not at work, enjoyed spending time at home.

Each generation has unique milestones and events that have helped shape future generations. The 1920s were without exception. In 1921, the nation buried the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and suffered the most violent race riot ever in Tulsa, Oklahoma. But 1921 was also a carefree time, reflected in song hits such as “Ain’t We Got Fun.” The first Miss America was chosen that year and women swooned over Rudolph Valentino in the movie “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” On April 10, 1921, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jack Chulski was born, an event that would shape the future generations of his family.

Young Jack grew up with his four siblings in East Grand Rapids in a house that boasted its own ballroom on the third story. His father provided well for the family as a stockbroker while his mother stayed home with the Chulski children. Jack received his formal education attending St. Stephen’s Catholic School and later graduated from Catholic Central High School. Like many young men of this time, Jack was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942, serving his country as a mechanical engineer. Upon his discharge he returned to Grand Rapids and took a business venture operating a nightclub. Jack also met and fell in love with a lovely young lady named Margaret. They had a fairy tale romance and were married in 1941. Jack and Margaret were blessed with five marvelous children, Jeanne, John, Toni, Greg and Janet, who brought great happiness to the Chulski household. Unfortunately, his marriage to Margaret ended in divorce.

Jack had a variety of businesses he owned, including a gas station, and briefly worked for Ford Motor Company where he designed one of the first automatic paint booths.

The simple pleasures of life were what satisfied Jack the most. He liked to listen to classical or country music and watch sports and games shows on television. He enjoyed completing crossword puzzles and tending to the variety of beautiful trees he planted in his yard, which he had quite an extensive knowledge of as well. He also loyally fed the animals in his yard. Jack enjoyed collecting comical cartoons. He could often be found listening to country music perusing a newspaper for interesting cartoons to clip and send to the person that best suited the caricature. In fact, his family remembers how he kept the mailman plenty busy with all the mail he sent out. Jack was a man who desired little and was quite content in relaxing within the comfort of his own home. He tried very hard to stay in contact with his family as often as possible.

Jack Chulski passed away on Friday, January 16, 2004. He was preceded in death by Margaret Chulski–Haarer. Jack is survived by his children: Jeanne (Larry) Shananaquet, John (Betty) Chulski, Toni (Bud) Lees, Greg (Robyn) Chulski, and Janet (Ed) Bird; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Beejay Clouse; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may meet with the family on Sunday, January 18, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. The funeral will be held on Monday, January 19, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marne at 11 a.m. with Fr. Zink celebrant. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Please visit Jack’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, share a memory, send flowers or make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Marge Chulski-Haarer. Heritage Funeral Service Life Story Funeral Homes

All who knew Jack Chulski will treasure his memory.