Walter Gregory Pielak

Walter G. Pielak passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the age of 84 at home with his family by his side. If you were fortunate enough to have met Walt or called him your friend, we are certain you saw a smile on his face.

Walt was born in Lorain, OH to the late Mary Sophie (Kiklos) Pielak and Telesfor “Telly” Pielak. He was born into a large family, the 8th child of 11. Eventually his family relocated to Brightmoor, MI, where he met the love of his life, Sharon Hoover. Walt and Sharon met at a church dance when he was 15 and she was 14. On February 20, 1958, they were married in Detroit, MI and would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary next month.

In the mid 70’s, Walt and Sharon moved with their three children to Houghton Lake, MI. Walt was a licensed residential contractor. He was self-employed and built homes throughout the Roscommon County Area for 34 years via W & R Builders and later S & W Building Contractors. Walt was a family man who not only loved his family but called them friends. They enjoyed many years of traveling, card games, fishing, boating, hunting, and snowmobiling together. He always spent quality time with his grandchildren and many of his nieces and nephews, leaving them with many cherished memories.

Walt leaves behind his wife Sharon Pielak of West Branch, MI, son Greg Pielak of Manton, MI, daughter Jammie (Gary) Buddenborg of St. Helen, MI, granddaughters Jennifer (Aaron) Gilbert of Fountain Valley, CA, Stacy (Jerry) Hancock of Howell, MI, Michele Gancitano of Highland, MI, Amy (Rick) Silva of San Jose, CA, and Ellie Connett of Cincinnati, OH, his only grandson Riley (Ally) Connett of Auburn Hills, MI, 11 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, his sisters Bernice Jones and Marcie Tonti, brother Pete (Debbie) Pielak, his in-laws and best friends Barb & Russ Hoover and Kathy Campbell.

Walt was preceded in death by his daughter Loreen Gancitano of Prudenville, MI, his 7 sisters and brothers Telly, Francie, Helen, Johnny, Mary, Al, and Bernadine, and his in-laws and best friends Sharron & Larry Hoover and Edsel Campbell.

Our family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the staff at The Brook of West Branch for the wonderful care they provided. Their compassion and professionalism were essential for the comfort of Walt’s last days. We would also like to thank the hospice team of Compassus who guided us through this very difficult time.

To honor Walt, there will be a celebration of his life planned for late spring or early summer.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com