Zygmunt Krystek

Zygmunt or Ziggy as many have known him, was born in a small town in Poland. His father was a forester so in addition to his schooling, Zygmunt participated in many outdoor activities which taught him to appreciate hard work and to love the land, the forest and hunting.  

During World War II, Zygmunt proudly served with the Polish Army Corps under the British Military. At the conclusion of the war, he resided in England where he became a wood cabinet maker.  Zygmunt lived in England for approximately 10 years before immigrating to the United States. His familiarity with wood and experience in cabinetry provided the opportunity to work as a wood model maker with an automotive supplier.  Ziggy’s strong work ethic allowed him to rise through the ranks to eventually become a Vice President and shareholder of the company. When he reached retirement age, he bought his own model making and injection molding business.

Zygmunt married Regina on May 10, 1958 and they were together until the time of his death.  Their love for each other produced a daughter, Deborah (aka Krystie), and a son, Christopher.  Zygmunt was very proud of his family and enjoyed spending time together as a family unit and individually with each of them. He freely shared his life lessons and always encouraged them to be their best. His family continued to grow through the marriages of his children and then his grandchildren.  He also took pleasure in keeping in touch with his nieces and nephews in both Germany and Poland.

Ziggy was a very social person and his interests reflected this side of him. He made many friends over the years. He went on fishing and hunting trips. He played cards, mostly bridge and was quite good, winning several local tournaments. He vacationed with friends and relatives. He loved to dance with Regina, and they attended many balls together. After retirement, he played golf regularly with a group of friends known as the “Silver Sticks” until he was 97. He was the oldest member of his golf club to play the course consistently.

Those who knew Zygmunt will miss his incredible vitality, passion for life, warmth, wisdom, humility and his kind generosity.  His memory will live on in our hearts and it will be cherished.

Zygmunt was predeceased by his:  parents, Jozef and Stefania; brother, Alfred Krystek; sisters Maria Harold and Halina Muller. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Regina; his son Christopher (Dawn) Krystek and their two children Ashlee and Alec Krystek; and his daughter Deborah (David) Swider and their two sons Adam and Spencer Swider.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday June 14th, 2025 at 11:00AM at Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church (3100 18 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314).

Following the mass, a Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held at the American Polish Cultural Center (2975 E Maple Rd, Troy, MI 48083).

Please RSVP to SwiderDK@gmail.com by May 31st if you plan to attend the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army at: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org