Stanley Kaye

A hard working man, Stanley Kaye was one of the most kind and gentle souls around. Guided by an unwavering faith, he lived his life with others in mind while holding his loved ones near. Blessed to share more than 40 years with the love of his life, Stan loved and supported his family in everything they did, and it was easy to see that they were his constant source of pride and joy. Although he will be deeply missed, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his friends and loved ones will forever cherish.

Life in Poland during the days of WWII in that late 1930s and first half of the 1940s was anything but easy. The German invasion of Poland occurred in September of 1939, and the nation remained under German control until the defeat of Nazism by the Allied forces in May of 1945. Forced labor, established ghettos, and the persecution of Polish Jews were just a few of the horrors endured by the Polish people, and the after effects were felt for decades to come. It was just following the end of the war that a young couple from Poland was eagerly awaiting the birth of their baby. The big day finally arrived on May 15, 1946, when Stanley J. made his entrance into the world. His father died when Stan was just 14, but brighter days were soon on the horizon as his aunt and uncle provided him with the opportunity for a better life.

Stanley, being sponsored by his aunt and uncle, Vince and Mary Jane Kaye, arrived on American soil on July 12, 1960, in New York. The family lived in a home on Sibley Street on the West Side of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Stan attended St Adalbert’s School. Stan’s aunt and uncle were partners in Arrowhead Golf Course, which provided Stan with his first opportunity in the work force. He did have sisters back in Poland, and although they were not close Stan did enjoy talking to them occasionally on the phone. The Catholic faith was an important part of family life, and together they attended St. Adalbert’s parish. In his free time Stan developed his lifelong love for fishing as he liked to go smelt dipping and fishing for salmon and coho in the Grand River. When relaxing, Stan enjoyed watching television. The Kaye family did not take any vacations, and holidays were spent together along with a few friends. Stan’s high school years found him at Union High School, and although he was an average student he had to work harder than most due to the language barrier. In addition to holding down his studies, Stan also lettered in both football and wrestling. He went on to graduate in 1967.

New and exciting changes were in store for Stan when he met the young girl of his dreams. Her name was Betty Lou, and they met in January of 1971 at the wedding of mutual friends, John and Linda Reed. A dating relationship began, and it wasn’t long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. Just 11 months after they met, Stan and Betty Lou became husband and wife on November 6, 1971, at St. Adalbert’s Church. Because Stanley had just started a new job one week prior, he was not able to take any time off so they delayed their honeymoon for a bit. The following summer they took their honeymoon up North and through much of the Upper Peninsula.

For seven years Stan and his wife lived in Wyoming before moving to their current home on the West Side of Grand Rapids. Together they were blessed with the births of two children, Diane and John. To support his family, Stan worked as a press operator at Steelcase for 31 years before retiring.

Throughout his life Stan was a man of many interests. He did enjoy eating at Mr. Burger, but for the most part he liked to cook and eat at home. Stan’s specialties were from his Polish roots as goulash, Kabasa, and Kapusta were among the favorites. Of course his goulash could only be made with ground sausage, not with ground beef! An avid fisherman, Stan was a member of the Michigan Steel Headers Association for many years, and he also enjoyed reading both hunting and fishing magazines. Although he was most comfortable at home and didn’t travel much, he did head to Florida a couple of times. Polish through and through, Stan liked polka music. Since he collected a little of this and a little of that, it has been said that he was a bit of a pack rat.

Through the life he lived each day, Stanley Kaye fully embraced the moments he was given, facing whatever came his way with strength and courage. He was never one to worry about building wealth, rather, he focused his time and attention on working hard to support the family he loved. Sincere and genuine, Stan had a way of making others feel at ease. He will never be forgotten.

KAYE Mr. Stanley J. Kaye, age 68, passed away on December 5, 2014. Surviving are his wife Betty Lou, children Diane Kaye-Lackowski and CJ Lackowski, John and Caroline Kaye; grandchildren Audrey, Nolan, and Anya Kaye; special niece Anna and Andrzej Domin; and his three sisters in Poland. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday December 10, at 7PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends and relatives may meet with his family at the chapel on Wednesday from 2-4 PM and 6:00PM until the time of the service. Memorial contributions can be made to Van Andel Institute. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.