Richard "Dick" D. Pytlak

Richard "Dick" D. Pytlak, age 81 of Howell, passed away January 29, 2024 at his home. He was born in Detroit on October 6, 1942 to Ben and Helen (Kolnick) Pytlak. Dick grew up in Warren and graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1961. After high school he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Military Police while stationed in Germany. Dick joined the Warren Police Department in 1965 moving up from Uniformed Patrol Officer, to Corporal, and then Sergeant, retiring in 1989. From there he went on to work as a Security Associate for CMS Energy and then in Damage Claims at Consumers Energy. Dick retired for the last time in 2005 after working as a Maintenance Supervisor at White Chapel Cemetery.

Dick was an officer with the Knights of Columbus Council 8043 where he served as Community Activities Director, coordinating the Special Olympics Summer Games and as an Advocate. Dick was also a valued member of the Fraternal Order of Police, American Legion, and the Midland Gun Club. His love of classic cars would lead him to participate in car shows and restore his Model A Ford, 1965 GTO convertible, and Cushman Eagle scooter. Buying and selling antiques brought Dick joy and he was an avid Civil War history buff.

On June 2, 1967, Dick married the former Bernice "Bonnie" Foss in Warren and they shared 56 years together before his death. They enjoyed senior bus trips, visiting the casino, boating and spending time on Sanford Lake. Most importantly, Dick loved his grandkids and attending their activities when possible; to some of them he was called the Candyman.

Surviving is his wife, Bonnie Pytlak; children, Wendy (David) Zink, Kimberley (John) Heinrich; grandkids, Bennett, Brady, Charles, Clara Zink and Alison, Evelyn, Vivian Heinrich; brother, John Pytlak; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; sisters and brothers in-law, Mary (Rob) Mange, Susan Higgins, Vince (Eileen) Foss, Larry Niemchak, Teri (Steve) Kurmas and George (Rositsa) Foss. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Helen Pytlak; mother and father in-law, Vince and Alice Foss; brother in-law, Gerald Higgins; and sister in-law, Pat Niemchak.

The Funeral Liturgy for Dick will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 2500 N. West River Rd. Sanford, MI 48657. Fr. Dan Fox, OFM Cap will officiate with private burial to be in St. John Catholic Cemetery in Howell. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4-7 pm at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Rd. Midland, MI 48640, and again on Friday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of mass. Memorial contributions may be offered to Our Lady of Grace Parish, Knights of Columbus Council 8043, or to St. Jude Childrens Hospital.

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