Charles J. Rysiewicz

CHARLES RYSIEWICZ NORWAY- Charles Rysiewicz passed away on Monday, January 12. He celebrated his 94th birthday on November 24th, 2008. He had been a resident at Pinecrest in Powers for four years. A native son of Norway born in 1914, Charlie had two fathers. Joseph Rysiewicz, a worker in the Norway Vulcan mines, married Pauline Huda. Both were Polish immigrants. Charlie grew up on Norway Hill with his brothers and sisters: Johnny, Vicky, Catherine, Mary, Frank, Albert, Walter (Slim). His father died when Charlie was a boy. Joseph Bolek, another Polish immigrant mine worker, married Mrs. Rysiewicz and brought along his sons, Mike, Johnny, Louie, Frank and Wally Bolek. Ed and Lorraine Bolek were born into this large blended family. A 1933 graduate of Norway High School, Charlie served in the Sturgeon River CCC camp and in the Army Air Corp during World War II. He worked at several jobs in Detroit until he finally settled into the one that would take him to his retirement, custodian in the Detroit Public Schools. Here Charlie’s generous spirit and patience assisted many grade-schoolers with their challenges and joys. He was beloved by the students and faculties alike. Upon retirement in 1980 Charles returned to Norway with his wife of fifty-five years, Emma (nee Meskauskas) of Hamtramck. His brother Slim joined them and the three enjoyed many happy, peaceful years in his hometown. Charlie is survived by his deceased brothers’ spouses, Lorraine Bolek and Irene Rysiewicz of Milwaukee, Jesse Rysiewicz of Detroit, brother Wally Bolek and wife Stella of Milwaukee, and Norway residents, sister Lorraine and husband Clarence DeBakker, brother Ed Bolek and wife Arlene, many loving nieces and nephews and two daughters, Elaine Rysiewicz of Cincinnati, Ohio and Marilyn Rysiewicz of Santa Rosa, California. Charlie Rysiewicz was a faithful, practicing Catholic and a member of St. Mary’s Church in Norway. He strove to live his life according to Christ’s teachings of faithfulness, generosity, and forgiveness. Charlie was a good man. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17 from 9-11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Norway. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church with Fr. James Roetzer presiding. Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery, and there will be a luncheon following the interment at St. Mary’s Church.

Charles J. Rysiewicz

November 24, 1914 - January 12, 2009