| Mike
Kierzynski 1920-2003 |
|
Mike's mother moved to Deer Lodge, TN., when she was pregnant with him. Mike's father had passed away, and they moved to a farm in Tennessee from Pennsylvania. The first winter grandma Kierzynski could not afford to feed the five children, so they were put into an orphanage. While living in the orphanage, it burnt down and all records were destroyed. When the records were reconstructed, Mike's legal name became Mike and not Michael. Also, Kierzynski was spelled incorrectly, they eliminated a c and w. They also put the wrong year of his birth certificate, it should be 1919 not 1920. Mike grew up on the farm and went to school until the 8th grad. Mike also joined the United States Marines, where he lost the sight in his right eye and unfortunately he was discharged due to this disability. Mike later moved to Detroit, Michigan and learned the tool and die trade. It was difficult for him to get work due to his disability, and had to settle for sub-standard tool and die shops. Remember, in those days they did not have the American DisabilityAct to help employees. Mike married his hometown sweetheart, Jeanette in Detroit. They had two children, a daughter Dorothy and a son Michael. Mike prospered at his trade, and provided well for his family. Through hard and a lot of hours, he and his wife purchased a ranch house in the "suburbs" where his children were raised. Mike liked gardening and had several "golden delicious" apple tree. These trees produced bushels of apples each year. He would give away tons of apples each year which made many pies and a lot of good eating. He also liked to bowl and belonged to several leagues over the years. Mike enjoyed golfing after he retired, but didn't get out golf enough. Mike enjoyed people and never met anyone who he didn't like. He always had something nice to say about everyone and was always willing to help anyone who needed it. Mike spent his life providing for his family, and often did without so they would not. He gave many of us a good example of how we should lead our lives. If many of us could live up to his standards, then our world would be a better and more loving place. As Mike's grandchildren wrote: May
your hands always dig in fertile soil,
|
