George J. Waurzyniak, age 87 of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2009. He was born December 12, 1921 in Parisville, MI to Albert G. and Martha (Kubacki) Waurzyniak. George served with distinction in the Merchant Marines until his discharge. He married Dolores Ochylski on June 8, 1946 in Detroit where they made their home. George was a highly decorated Lieutenant in the Detroit Fire Department, he retired in 1972. He then moved to Evart and worked at Evart Products. Following George's second retirement the family eventually settled in Big Rapids where they have lived for nearly 20 years. George attended St. Paul's Campus Parish in Big Rapids. He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores; 3 sons, Paul (Jody) Waurzyniak of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, James (Christine) Waurzyniak of Ann Arbor, Thomas (Luann) Waurzyniak of Kingsley; 3 daughters, Karen (Dr. James Hogg) Waurzyniak-Hogg of Davenport, IA, Sue Brigham of Big Rapids, Eileen (Kevin) Tucker of Big Rapids; a daughter-in-law, Gloria Waurzyniak of MD; 12 grandchildren, Anna and Ryan Waurzyniak of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, George Waurzyniak of Kingsley, Daniel Waurzyniak of Grand Rapids, Natalya Waurzyniak of Grand Rapids, Alex (Valerie) Waurzyniak-Hogg of Davenport, IA, Michael Hoolihan of San Francisco, CA, Amy Hoolihan of Cadillac, Katryn Hoolihan of Mt. Pleasant, Larry Brigham of Big Rapids, David and Zachary Tucker of Big Rapids; 5 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Patricia Breneman of Farmington, Jonna Shaver of Sterling Heights and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, George was preceded in death by his son Michael Waurzyniak on June 11, 2007 and a brother Hillary "John" Waurzyniak. A memorial mass will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2009 at St. Paul's Campus Parish in Big Rapids with Father Lam T. Le officiating. Spring interment will be at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids. Arrangements entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Condolences may be left online at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com