Roman Liebeck

Roman Liebeck was an extraordinary person. As a soldier, he served his country overseas with the 126th Infantry, 32nd Red Arrow Division in the Pacific Theater of Operations as a Sergeant during World War II. As a civilian he was a devout and faithful Christian; as a husband he shared fifty-seven years with his wife, and as a father he cared deeply for his daughter, whom he knew as the “little princess”.

The year 1919 was a triumphant year for the United States. As the Allies and Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles, which incorporated President Woodrow Wilson’s Covenant of League of Nations, the world moved closer to terminating World War I. Although the US citizens celebrated the signing of the treaty, no champagne corks were popped as the war came to an end, and America adopted the 18th amendment prohibiting alcohol. Though there was certainly a lot of excitement in that year, for the Liebeck family of Grand Rapids, Michigan the biggest news of the year was the birth of their son Roman on February 12th that same year.

In a family of three boys, Roman was usually the quiet one of the family. While the other children were making a commotion, Roman was always the listener. Growing up on the westside of Grand Rapids, Roman was a lifelong member of the Basilica of St Adalbert. Because of his keen listening skills and soft-spoken nature, Roman was a good student. As a child he attended St. Adalbert Grade School. At a time when many young men were leaving school after the tenth grade, Roman continued his education at Davis Tech, where he graduated in 1939.

After high school, Roman began working at Applied Arts as a draftsman, a job he would continue to enjoy until 1984, when he retired. Although Roman enjoyed his job at Applied Arts, it was not long until he felt patriotic tugs at his heartstrings. In 1940, he decided to enter the Michigan National Guard (Army), but was not called to duty for one year. While Roman was serving overseas as a Sergeant during World War II, he began receiving letters from a stranger back home. It seems that a young lady named Vivian was asked to write to a service member overseas. The couple continued to communicate throughout Roman’s time in the service, and when he returned he met Vivian in person. Together, the couple’s first date was to a Novena at St. James Catholic Church, followed by a movie downtown. After meeting, the couple realized how much they cared about each other. Following a traditional courtship, Roman proposed on New Year’s Eve, 1945. A wedding followed on May 17, 1947 at Roman’s church, the Basilica of St. Adalbert. Following the ceremony the couple enjoyed a honeymoon at Niagara Falls. Although Roman and Vivian would return to Niagara Falls a few times after that, besides taking a few other small trips, the couple never traveled very far away.

After the lovebirds returned from Niagara Falls, Roman and Vivian made their first home with Vivian’s parents, where they stayed for three years. During the early years of their marriage, Roman enjoyed hunting in Lakeview. However, once his daughter Suzanne was born, his priorities changed. From the moment she was born, Suzanne was the apple of Roman’s eye. Roman loved spending time with his daughter, whom he affectionately called “Little Princess”, and did everything for her. Together, Roman and his beloved daughter enjoyed the father/daughter dances at Mt. Mercy Academy, and they would always stay out late for the dances, one time until 2am.

Throughout his life, Roman was active in his church. A devout Catholic, he was a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1500 of Sacred Heart Church, the Usher’s Club at St. Adalbert’s Church and the former Holy Name Society. A smart man, Roman served as the financial secretary of the plant where he worked and was also the Treasurer of the Union (Local 829) at his plant.

After 85 years of love and family, Roman passed away on August 25, 2004. Roman was preceded in death by his parents Casimir and Veronica Liebeck; and brother Leon Liebeck. Roman is survived by his wife of 57 years, Vivian (Kurdelski) Liebeck; daughter Suzanne Liebeck; brother Edward Liebeck; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Patricia and John Farmer; two nieces and one nephew.

Friends are invited to meet with Roman’s family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM with the Rosary prayed at 7:30 PM at the Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 30, at 11 AM at the Basilica of St. Adalbert, corner of Fourth and Davis NW. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Roman’s life story, or make a memorial contribution to Basilica of St. Adalbert Restore the Glory Fund.

Roman will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and Christian. With his love for life and spirit of giving, he was a friend to all he knew.