Paul Joseph Milanowski

Our Heavenly Father called his good and faithful servant, Paul Joseph Milanowski, home in the early morning hours of November 2, 2025. On the morning of All Souls Day, surrounded by family, Paul peacefully left his earthly vessel after living with the effects of Parkinson’s disease for more than three decades.

Blizzard like conditions made it unlikely that the birth of the first born son of Marcella (Meyer) and Alexander Milanowski would happen as planned in Grand Rapids, Michigan, because they could not get to the hospital. As the February winds howled and snow painted the landscape, the local milkman out on his rounds, arrived with his horse drawn milkwagon. After hearing of Marcella’s labor, he gladly carried her to the hospital. On that wintery February first of 1940, Paul Joseph Milanowski entered the world, joining his doting sister Marcy. Soon after, his brothers, Thomas and Donald would be welcomed into the family. When Paul was fifteen years old, his youngest brother Lawerence “Larry” was born with Down Syndrome. Paul loved all his siblings dearly. Being a brother was an honor Paul never took lightly. He showed his love through action: becoming a coach for Don’s baseball teams; volunteering with Special Olympics for Larry; assisting at Lincoln School events; advocating at Hope Network; stopping in for Polaski Days at Little Hall; and simply playing a game of catch with Larry after work. Ensuring that Larry and all special education students could learn about the Catholic faith, Paul started and taught religion classes for special needs students in honor of Larry.

Growing up in Grand Rapids, Paul attended St. Isidore the Laborer School and graduated from Catholic Central High School. After graduation Paul entered the U.S. Marine Corps. He served his country proudly for four years. A highlight of his service was his role as a USMC civil engineer helping to build Kadena Airbase in Okinawa, Japan. Upon his return stateside, Paul worked several jobs to put himself through college. He graduated with his Associates of Arts from Grand Rapids Junior College. Paul had two passions he had considered furthering his education in: psychology and meteorology. However, during his employment as a maintenance man at Mercy Central School of Nursing, he found a new passion that would subsequently change the trajectory of his life. While working on a rooftop, he looked down and saw his future bride, Catherine Lang, who was waiting for the light to change. He hollered down a hello to the beautiful young nursing student. After a few “repair calls”, so that Paul could come fix things in her dorm room, several games of tennis, and long afternoon walks together, they were wed on November 10,1962 (by no coincidence it is also the Marine Corps birthday). They settled down and raised their family on the northeast side of Grand Rapids.

In order to provide for his family, Paul willingly set aside the idea of furthering his college education. In 1963 he began a long and beloved career at Michigan Consolidated Gas (now DTE). Paul had a deep appreciation for the comradery with his co-workers in every department. He also enjoyed knowing and helping the customers he served. While at MichCon, as a service line technician, Paul utilized his leadership skills by serving as President for the United Chemical Workers’ Union. Subsequently, through that role, he and Catherine were able to enjoy traveling together to conferences in different parts of the United States and Mexico.

Not one to sit idle (save for his twenty-minute naps before dinner every afternoon), Paul was a ready helper to all in need. In the community he was a: life long member of the Knights of Columbus; coach for his children’s baseball/softball teams; leader of the Home and School Organization for Blessed Sacrament; church usher; umpire for Northern Little League; member of church councils; Right to Life supporter, and appeared as Smokey Bear to educate youth on
preventing forest fires. Paul also served as “the” repair man for family and friends by helping with appliances, home repairs, and yard work.

In his “free time” with family Paul: put an addition on his home with his brother-in-law Wayne, renovated rooms, polished patent leather shoes, built tree and doll houses, created backyard ice rinks, tinkered with his Lionel Trains and antique toys, listened to Tiger games and Paul Harvey on the radio, gardened and fished, made daily breakfasts and lunches for his kids, danced in the kitchen with Catherine, spent hours creatively writing, and thoroughly enjoyed “putzing” around. Paul made the best brown sugar broiler toast, hot oatmeal and figured out that if you call Golabki “garbage”, it will sound interesting and your kids will eat it. Many hours were spent with a book hand – expanding his worldview right from his reclining chair. He attended every possible sporting event, school program, and celebration even if he had to come in his work clothes and stand quietly in the back. Paul was there, always, to cheer them on or offer discipline when his kids needed the correction. As their children aged and moved away from home, Paul and Catherine, travelled to visit as often as possible in places like Germany, South Dakota, New York, D.C. and more.

Paul was known for deep conversation, as long as it was not after bedtime – sleep was sacred for him. The very best conversations could be had while he sat in front of the cottage at Sand Lake looking out over the water. However, Paul was not merely a tenderhearted, considerate man. He was also a strong and steady father who taught his children about character and integrity. If any of his children ever got cross with their mom and spoke disrespectfully, he would sternly remind them that “that’s my girlfriend you’re speaking to”. Paul was devoted to his wife and made sure that everyone, including Catherine, knew that she was treasured like precious gold. He would allow nothing to tarnish her worth or beauty. Paul’s greatest treasure from his eighty five years of life was the memories he created with his family and friends and the legacy he left of being a steadfast man of faith, humility, courage, and strength.

For over three decades Paul lived with Parkinson’s Disease. He fought courageously to stay active, both physically and mentally, asking daily “Lord how will you use me today”. He prayed often each day and sought diligently to please the Lord in his words and actions. Paul’s Catholic faith and devotion to our Lord and the Holy Family were the rock that kept him walking tall through the years, even when his body became confined to a chair. He spoke positively of his Parkinson’s journey, even in the most challenging of moments. Paul was one to offer hopeful thoughts and humorous anecdotes or just a smart-ass joke in order to bring a smile to those in his presence. He chose joy daily!

In addition to Catherine, his loving wife of 63 years, Paul is survived by their six children and their spouses, 29 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren: Christine (Jim) Steinmeyer and their children: Gabe, Mike (Roni), Nate (Roz), Rose, and Zack; Susan (Jon) McKeeby and their children: Paul (Ashley), Tim (Katie), and Jennifer (fiancé Charles Chang); Andrea (Darold) Spillman and their children: Philip (Allison), David (Lydia), Bridget, Anna (Michael), Thomas, Andrew, and Emma; Stephen (Patricia) Milanowski and their children Monica (fiancé Kenneth VandenBout III), Sarah, David, and Luke; Mary Catherine (Matt) McGuire and their children: Brennon, Maegan, Caitlin, Avelin, Gavin, Colin, and Allison; Michael (Allison) Milanowski (Emily and Peter) and great grandchildren: Maddie, Jensen, Dean, Brooks, Lucas, Violet, Raymond, Max, Benedict, Makayia, Oliver, Reagan, and Baby Hoff arriving in January. He is additionally survived by his brothers Don (Ann) Milanowski, Tom Milanowski, sister-in-law Margaret, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Our Lord has promised eternal life to all His good and faithful servants and in the early morning hours of All Souls Day, November 2, 2025, our Heavenly Father called Paul Joseph home. We believe that Paul is now joyfully, reunited for eternity with his beloved parents, Marcella and Alex, his brother Larry, sister Marcy, brother-in-law Richard “Dick” Radecki, and his very precious granddaughter Beatrice Lucia. Upon witnessing the grace that flooded Paul’s face and the calm that overtook his breathing, those present when Paul peacefully left his earthly vessel had no doubt that he saw Heaven. We know he is now standing tall, doing the polka and playing catch with Larry, picking wild flowers along the streets of gold, and singing songs of praise (a few Red Sovine and Johnny Cash too) with the choirs of angels.
The family wishes to offer their deepest gratitude to the many amazing care providers who did so much for Paul over the past several years. Paul has received exceptional care through the Veterans Administration, Careology, and Hospice over these last several months. His many providers and helpers have been kind, respectful, gracious, and compassionate. Especially, thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all of Paul’s home “helpers” over the last many months, especially Lillian, Theresa, and Heather, who, during his final days spent many hours being the hands and feet of Jesus. May you be abundantly blessed always in return.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Isidore the Laborer Catholic Church, 628 Diamond Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:00am. Family will receive visitors one hour prior to mass. Visitation will take place at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546 on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 5:30pm-8:00pm with the Rosary being offered at 7pm.

Knowing Paul’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of all human life, please consider directing memorial donations to the Right to Life and/or HELP Pregnancy Aid in Grand Rapids, Michigan.