William "Bill" Poplaski's Obituary
William “Bill” Poplaski, age 76, of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025. He was the second child born to George and Josephine (Brulla) Poplaski on June 23, 1948. Bill was proud to be born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, and had many close friends from St. Mary’s Elementary and Muskegon Catholic Central High School. He was an incredible father and grandpa. He worked as a machinist, in sales, and as a realtor for Re/Max. During his time as a realtor, he started an arm of the West Michigan Charity Realtors Who Care to raise funds to support families in need financially. Bill had many hobbies such as woodworking, building and flying model airplanes, drumming, cooking and baking, and golfing. He could repair most anything and taught himself electrical wiring, plumbing, and dabbled in painting. He had also built a remote-controlled lawn mower, which he proudly had a launch party for. Bill built furniture, desks, chess boards, coffee tables, bookcases, a house with his father-in-law, and a bench that is featured in the Naval Museum on Drummond Island. He was a talented drummer and played with the Polkateers, the Aardvarks, and the Grabinski Polka Band. Bill loved playing Euchre, Hearts, and many other card games with his close friends Dave and Marsha Mahynski, Frank and Margaret Willman, Ray and Diane Shaw, David and Christine VanAelst, Roger and Lynn Willcutt and Ron and Peggy Young. Bill was known for his sense of humor and quick wit and was a passionate Democrat. He also loved animals, especially his all-time favorite dog, Daisy.
SURVIVORS include his wife, Michelle Poplaski (Bourdon) who he married on March 20, 1971, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Muskegon. Daughters: Amy Poplaski (Tom Tilma) and Rhonda Matz-Sheppard (Steve Sheppard); grandchildren: Allison Matz, Drew Matz (Jordan Russo), Joel Sheppard, Nick Tilma, and Annie Tilma; great-grandchildren: Addley Russo and Genevieve Matz-Russo. Brother, Greg Poplaski. Nieces and nephews: Rachel Tornga (Pete Tornga), Owen Tornga, Natalie Bourdon, Erica Bourdon, Brandon Bourdon (Katie), Melissa Poplaski, and Kelly Poplaski; brother-in-law, Jeff Bourdon (Claudia); and close family members: Jennifer Kenny (Matt), Alanna Kenny (Eric VanDyke), and Hannah Kenny (Benjamin Pederson); and many other friends and family.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents: George and Josephine Poplaski; son-in-law, Andrew Matz; father-in-law, Vern Bourdon and mother-in-law, Valzora Bourdon (VanBeukering); brother-in-law, Richard Bourdon; and close relatives: Jim and MaryAnn Thelen (Bourdon) and Stephen Field.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held from 5-8 PM Monday, March 3, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. MEMORIALS to Rogel Cancer Center Breast Cancer Program will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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