George W. Grifka

Mr. George W. Grifka of Ubly, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2012 at home after a long illness under hospice care. George was born on February 3, 1939 in Austin Township, son of the late August and Theresa (Osentoski) Grifka. He married Diane Jaskowski on May 1, 1965 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Parisville. He married Catherine (Grady) Ross on October 31, 1991 in Bad Axe. George was a graduate of Ubly High School. He served in the U.S. Army for two years. He worked road construction for a few years before returning to Ubly where he farmed for several years. George was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Ubly. He also enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. George is survived by his wife Catherine of Ubly; one son, Andrew J. Grifka of Ubly; two daughters, Donna Osantowski and her significant other, Scott McDonald, Barbara Peruski and her husband Randy, both of Ubly; one step-son, Patrick Ross and his wife, Sue, of Waterford ; grandchildren, Eric Osantowski, Stacy Osantowski, Ashley Grifka, Kelsey Peruski, Tyler Peruski, of Ubly, Collin Ross and Dillon Ross of Waterford; four brothers, Eugene (Dorothy) Grifka of Bad Axe, Chester (Sylvia) Grifka of Durand, Virgil (Shirley) Grifka of Capac, Duane (Connie) Grifka of Bad Axe; three sisters, Geraldine (Eugene) Briolat of Minden City, Elaine (Tom) Feige of Romeo, and Judy (Terry) Sheridan of Warren; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Dennis Grifka. The funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 24 at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. Rev. Joseph Griffin of St. John Catholic Church will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly on Wednesday from 2-9 p.m. and Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.