Edward M. Sanocki Sr.'s Obituary
Mr. Edward Martin Sanocki, Sr., age 97, passed away at his home on Monday afternoon, April 6, 2026. He was born February 26, 1929, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Martin and Anna (Trybulowski) Sanocki and was a lifelong resident of the area.
Ed attended St. Michael’s Grade School and graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1946. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was stationed in Germany on the supply lines.
On September 26, 1953, he married Irene Hanis at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. Together for 62 years before Irene’s passing in 2015, they raised six children within the Polish, Slovak, and Catholic traditions and were often considered the best dancers on the dance floor—all a reflection of the joy, steadiness, and laughter they shared throughout their lives.
Music was a constant thread in Ed’s life. He played the violin in several polka bands over the years, including the Pee Wee Orchestra (1937–1939), where he performed with his childhood friend who later became His Eminence Edmund Cardinal Szoka—an early connection that would lead to a special 50th wedding anniversary proclamation blessed by St. Pope John Paul II. He later played with Ed Novak’s Polka Band (1940–1950) and the Old Timer’s Polka Band (1995–2020). In recognition of his lifelong love of playing music for the enjoyment of others, Ed was inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame in 2004 and was honored for this achievement on the front page of the Detroit News.
Ed worked hard for 43 years at Muskegon Piston Ring to support his family, where he worked as a machine operator and in plant maintenance. He was also involved in union leadership, serving for many years as Recording Secretary of the local UAW bargaining committee. In addition, he served as Financial Secretary of the Catholic War Veterans in Muskegon and attended countless funerals as a member of the honor guard and helped decorate veterans’ graves on Memorial Day.
Ed enjoyed life and people and was involved in bowling leagues, playing cards (especially pinochle and 500 Rummy), shooting pool on his own 10’ x 5’ snooker table, and polka dancing with Irene at local halls. He took great pride in his home and was known throughout Roosevelt Park as someone who kept an immaculate lawn and perfectly trimmed bushes. Ed was a lifelong Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions fan and even had the opportunity to play baseball at Marsh Field alongside the legendary voice of the Tigers, Ernie Harwell. He was a lifelong member of Pulaski Lodge, Polish Falcon Hall, and Tatra Hall.
Above all, Ed was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a true people person who connected easily with others and left a lasting impression on those he met. Always quick with a joke, a friendly smile, and an offer of something to eat or drink, there were few places Ed went to in Muskegon, or in all of West Michigan, where he didn’t know someone. His dedication to his family, church, and community was always genuine, but extraordinarily quiet and humble.
He is survived by his six children, Ed (Patti) Sanocki, Jr., Karen Edens, Tom (Mary Amy) Sanocki, Rose Sanocki, John (Michele) Sanocki, and Steve (Jen) Sanocki; 17 grandchildren, Chris, Jackie, Katie, Jamie, Jim, Mike, Kristen, Mark, David, Andrew, Emily, Sarah, Johnny, Maria, Allie, Jack, and Kiley; eight great-grandchildren, Zachary, Alice, Silas, Russell, Abrum, Adeline, Myra, and Luca; and special friends, Don Butterfield, Ann Briggs, and Donna Christensen.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Irene; son-in-law, James Edens, Jr.; and sisters, Lillian (Harry) Brown and Elizabeth Bevins.
The Sanocki family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Harbor Hospice caregivers (Alex, Arlette, and Mandy), Michele Sanocki, Kim DeBruin and her family, and Rev. Fr. Phil Sliwinski for their care, compassion, and support.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1716 6th St., Muskegon, MI 49441 with visitation one-hour prior at church. Visitation with Ed’s family will be held from 6-8:00 PM on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 with a Rosary service at 7:30 PM. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Muskegon Catholic Central High School, or Harbor Hospice. You are invited to sign the family’s online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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