Erwin Chester Rytlewski

Rytlewski, Erwin Chester Auburn, Michigan Mr. Rytlewski passed away early Saturday morning March 1, 2014 at Mid-Michigan Regional Medical Center with his family at his side. Age 79 years. The son of the late Aloysius and Eva (Krzyzaniak) Rytlewski was born December 5, 1934 in Williams Township and has resided there all of his life. He was a member of St. Anthony / St. Joseph Parish Community and was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3590 in Auburn. Erwin was a life long farmer and retired in 1988 from Dow Chemical Company after thirty years of service. He had a great passion for antique farm equipment and was the founding member of the Two Cylinder Club in Auburn and was a member of the Midland Antique and Engine Club. Erwin proudly served his country in the National Guard. On September 10, 1955 he married his wife of fifty eight years the former Norma Jean Bickel in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Auburn where he was a long time member and she survives his passing along with three children; Patti (Jeff) Shorkey, Debra (Gary) Fiting and Kenneth Rytlewski, family friend; Ray Korolski, three grandchildren; Brian (Kathy) Donaldson, Matthew Fiting and Eric Shorkey, two great grandchildren; Brianna and Kylee Donaldson, one brother and two sisters-in-law; James (Carolyn) Rytlewski, two brothers-in-law; Gerald Kalinowski and Donald (Barbara Miller) Bickel and Barbara Kramer and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by one brother;Arthur Rytlewski, three sisters and three brothers-in-law; Rita (Edward) Lijewski, Gertrude (Joseph) Pashak and Della Kalinowski and Gerald Kramer. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Worship Site (Midland Road and 11 Mile Road) 1492 W. Midland Road Auburn, MI 48611. Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Thomas E. Sutton with private burial in St. Anthony's Church Cemetery. Members of the Bay County Veterans Council will meet at the Church to conduct Military Honor's following the Mass. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Monday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Vigil for the Deceased will take place Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home followed by the Bible Presentation by the Knights of Columbus Council # 3590. Mr. Rytlewski will be taken to the church on Tuesday to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. and until the time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a memorial to St. Joseph/St. Anthony's Catholic Church or the Eastern Michigan Food Bank. Gephart Funeral Home, Inc.