Walter Chmiel

Age 87, passed away on July 6, 2026, at Oakview Terrace at Park Village Pines. He was born on August 1, 1938, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Walter and Pauline (Moskalic) Chmiel.

Walter was a proud member of the Comstock High School Class of 1956, where he met his future wife, Patti. After graduating, he began his career with Eckrich Foods, where he worked until 1965. He then joined General Motors as an electrician, dedicating the next 38 years to the company. Throughout his career, Walter earned numerous certifications and was widely respected for his technical expertise, craftsmanship, and unwavering work ethic.

On May 27, 1961, Walter married Patricia Margaret Luckey, and together they shared a loving marriage until her passing in February of 2025.

Walter was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, photography, cooking, gardening, completing crossword puzzles, and reading the Detroit Free Press. One of his favorite traditions was traveling with Patti to St. Simons Island, Georgia, where they created many treasured memories together.

Walter was exceptionally talented with his hands and could build, repair, or customize just about anything. If something didn't work the way he thought it should, he would find a way to modify it until it did. His ingenuity, mechanical ability, and knack for improving everything he touched became one of his trademarks and something his family admired throughout his life.

Walter is survived by his children, Paul (Lorie) Chmiel and Sherri (Chuck) Martin; his grandchildren, Craig (Hillary) Chmiel, Jordan Chmiel, Andrew Martin, and Danny Martin; his great-grandson, Chase Chmiel; his sisters, Stephanie Boris and Rosemary Hubek; his brother-in-law, Michael Klein; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patti; his parents; his siblings, Leona Yoder, Phil Chmiel, and Julie Klein; and his brothers-in-law, Gary Boris and Ron Hubek.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Private entombment will be at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park – South.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the West Michigan Cancer Center. Friends and family may leave a condolence message online at www.langelands.com.