Leo "Podge" W. Kwiecien's Obituary
Leo W. Kwiecien, aged 95, of Roosevelt Park, passed away Monday, June 1, at American House in Spring Lake. Podge (to all those near and dear to him) was born in Muskegon on September 21, 1924, to Anna (Samek) and Frank Kwiecien, Sr. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1942 and the very next day enlisted in the US Navy, repairing LST props in the WWII Pacific theatre until 1946. Podge worked for Leo Lappo’s gas station on Lakeshore Drive, before joining the Muskegon Heights Fire Department in 1950, retiring in 1988 with the rank of Captain. On April 14, 1956, Podge married Yvonne Poort, who died too young in 1999. They had two daughters. Podge was a lifelong member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church and sang in the men’s choir. He loved dancing and belonged to the Polish Falcons Nest #276, the Muskegon Eagles, the Moose Lodge, Polish Union and the American Legion post in Grand Haven. Leaving to mourn Podge are his two devoted daughters, Sue Kwiecien of Kalamazoo, MI and Joan (Thom) Sruba of Spring Lake, MI, and two granddaughters, Alyssa (fiancé Mitchell Gabriele) Sruba and Casey Sruba. Also survived by sisters-in-law, Iris Poort and Rosemary Poort, numerous nieces and a nephew. Podge was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, and brother, Frank Jr. A private internment at St. Mary’s Cemetery’s Mausoleum has taken place. Mass and wake to occur at a later date. Memorials may be made to the WKBZ Polka Melodies Radio Show (2301 South Hilltop Dr., Muskegon, MI 49441). Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49441. Please share a memory with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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