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Roman Holysz

September 1, 1920 - November 20, 2014
Kalamazoo, MI

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Visitation

Tuesday, November 25, 2014
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

A Rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM.

Driving Directions

Service

Wednesday, November 26, 2014
11:00 AM EST
St. Monica Catholic Church
534 W. Kilgore Road
Kalamazoo, MI 4900
(269) 345-4389

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Centrica Care Navigators
7100 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 345-0273
Driving Directions
Web Site

Kalamazoo Area christian Retirement Association
2920 Crystal Lane
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 544-2000

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Brilliant, creative, and hardworking are just a few of the words that come to mind when reflecting on the life of Roman Holysz. Whether on the job or at home he always gave his very best effort. A devoted husband and loving father, Roman loved nothing more that witnessing his family grow to include both grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were his most priceless treasure. He was a creative man of many talents and gifts who didn’t shy away from trying something new. Never one to be focused on what he had, Roman concentrated on simply living in the moment, taking nothing for granted. He will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished by all who were blessed to know and love him.

It was on September 1st, 1920 that a young couple from Chicago, Illinois, announced the birth of their healthy baby boy Roman Jr. He was the oldest of 3 sons born to his parents, Roman Sr. and Modesty (Kornatowski) Holysz, and he was raised in the family home on the North side of Chicago.

From the time he was a young boy Roman was a bustle of activity. Living close to Wrigley Field meant that he took in a game or two as he was an avid baseball fan. In fact, he often went on father/son day and “borrowed” a dad so that he could get in for just 10 cents! Roman was known to play practical jokes on people, which surfaced again during his sunset years as he battled with dementia. As a student he attended St. John Birchman, an all-boys school.

After graduating from high school, Roman went on to attend the University of Chicago where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1941. He later earned his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Northwestern University having skipped over getting his master’s degree. He was a member of the National Chemical Society since 1941 and worked as a research scientist at the Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan for 33 years. Roman’s hard work and unmatched skills didn’t go unnoticed as he held several patents and received the W.E. Upjohn Award in 1965.

While working at Minor Laboratories in Chicago, Roman met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Marion (Chat), and sparks flew right from the start. Love blossomed over time, and after asking her 3 times, Roman married Marion on May 3, 1947. Together they were blessed to welcome five sons including Joseph, Patrick, Michael, Timothy, and Peter into their hearts and home.

Throughout his life Roman was a man of many interests. When the boys were at home, Saturdays often found him fixing things around the house. Roman loved doing yard work, and since the lines had to be perfect, he almost always had to mow after his boys had already done it. He also loved his garden and was especially known for his tomatoes. Sundays were filled with Church, family, football and food. Roman and Marion were charter members of St Monica Catholic Parish in Kalamazoo. Roman had quite a creative side as he built model airplanes and made the most amazing HO train layouts with intricate details while his hand drawn Christmas card were special each Christmas. One thing that he never could quite master was getting the squirrels around the yard under control as he had both a love and a hate relationship with them. When relaxing, Roman enjoyed reading and watching sports, the financial news and the Weather Channel on TV. Although he loved to fly he never earned his license, however, he enjoyed flying with his son, Peter.

Although both Roman and his beloved Marion enjoyed good health throughout the majority of their lives, he suffered with dementia over the past few years. They moved into assisted living at Park Village Pines. It was in the memory unit at Crystal Woods where Roman spent his last days.

A family man through and through, Roman Holysz was deeply devoted to the ones he loved. He was a man of honor and integrity who believed in doing things right. Not one to worry about the little things, Roman took everything in stride. He will never be forgotten.

Roman Holysz died on November 20, 2014, in Kalamazoo. Roman’s family includes his 5 sons: Joseph (Christine) Holysz, Patrick (Corrine) Holysz, Michael (Marilyn) Holysz, Timothy (Janet) Holysz, and Peter (Betty) Holysz; 12 grandchildren: Sam, Mary Beth, Amy, Patrick Jr., Kerista, Kimberly, Matthew, Mallory, David, Mary Ann, Emily and Stefanie; 7 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Roman was preceded in death by his wife, Marion, on June 15, 2014; and twin brothers: Edwin and Henry Holysz. Visit with the family and friends while sharing memories on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler – Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900), where the rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday 11 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit Romans personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of him and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Kalamazoo Area Christian Retirement Association.

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