Donald Orlikowski

Donald R Orlikowski. age 88, of Oscoda, Michigan passed away peacefully on September 2, 2016, at Tendercare of Tawas, Michigan. Born at home in Hamtramck, Michigan, he was the son of Alexander and Helen(Biernat) Orlikowski.

After high school Donald enlisted in the US Marines and served during the Korean War. His following career of 30 years was as a supervising operator for Detroit Edison at the St. Clair power plant. He lived most of his life in Marysville and Oscoda Michigan, and enjoyed living by and swimming in the St. Clair, Black, and Au Sable Rivers.

Donald is survived by his partner of 24 years, Lillian DeCocker; along with a son, Mark (Theresa) Orlikowski; and his sister, Elaine Weber. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jill (Jake) Burden, Janna (Paul) Deering, Ashley Beam, and Amanda Beam; son-in-Law, Donald Beam and six great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Julia Wanda Orlikowski; his brother, Fred Orlikowski and his daughter, Melissa Beam.

At his request, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held 9:30 am, Thursday, September 22, 2016 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Acme with Fr. Raymond Cotter officiating. Burial will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guest book and share a message with the family. The family chose Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City.