Michael Felix Slawinski

Michael Felix Slawinski World War II Veteran April 8, 1928 - May 9, 2023 Michael is survived by his former wife Florence Slawinski who he loved and his oldest daughter Arleen Watkins ( Robert), grandson Micah Currier (Chelsea), great granddaughter Seeger and great grandson Dashiell, granddaughter Anya Furano (Calvin) great grandson Miles and great granddaughter Bianca. He is also survived by his youngest daughter Susan Slawinski. He is also survived by his son Robert Slawinski (Anne) and his granddaughter Gabrielle Tharp (Mitch), great granddaughter Vera, grandson Robert Jr. and granddaughter Noel Lutes (Jacob). Michael is preceded in death by his mother and father, his older sister and two older brothers in Poland. He is also survived by his companion and caregiver Susan Sanchez for several years with thanks and gratitude from his family. Also his family expresses thanks to White Oak Home Care and his caregivers Vonda, Angie, and Brianna for their exceptional service. In addition we thank Crystal for her private caregiving services. Memorial visitation Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service to be held at 6:30 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.) Dyer, IN, with Deacon Gary Blue officiating from St. Joseph's Parish. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the American Legion (www.legion.org/donate) appreciated. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com. Michael was born on April 8, 1928 in Lodz, Poland to Bronislaw and Helena Slawinski. As a young man Michael enjoyed swimming and kayaking near his family's summer home in Sheratz, Poland. In 1939 after the German army invaded Poland Michael went to live with his older brother in Krakow, Poland. In 1943 at the age of 15 Michael was forcibly conscripted by the German Army for a supply unit in Russia. After escaping from the German supply unit in 1944 he joined the Polish underground army and fought bravely in the Battle of Warsaw. He was taken prisoner and during the transportation by train to the POW camp he and many of his fellow soldiers escaped when the train was attacked by a British spitfire plane. Michael and his fellow soldiers made their way to Yugoslavia where they joined the Yugoslavian partisan army. He fought until the end of World War II in Europe in May 1945. Michael was awarded a medal and commendation as a Veteran of World War II for his service and participation in the Battle of Warsaw at the 50th anniversary in 1994 by the Polish Government. After the war Michael immigrated to England where he completed his High School Education and worked in a Dental office as a Technician. During his time in England Michael learned how to ballroom dance which became a lifetime passion for him. He then joined the Merchant Marines where he worked for several years before immigrating to the United States. During his time with the Merchant Marines Michael became a champion Ping-Pong player winning several Marine tournaments. In 1952 he immigrated United States after congress allowed Polish veterans to come to the United States. Michael married Florence Piarowski on February 4, 1954 where they resided in Chicago for 20 years before moving to Dyer, Indiana where Michael has been a resident since 1974. While working several jobs Michael attended Roosevelt trade school in Chicago, Illinois and became a diesel mechanic. He joined the IAMAW Mechanics Union Local 701 in Chicago on October 1, 1958 where he was a member in good standing until his death. Michael was a shop steward and worked for improved pension and health benefits, and improved safety conditions. He was a diesel mechanic for 35 years including with Eastern Express for 15 years and Hertz Penske for 15 years before retiring in 1991. Michael was also an inventor and received a patent from the U.S Government at the age of 87 for his bidet invention. He loved to write and tell stories to his family. He enjoyed dancing, ping-pong and golf. He will be sorely missed by all his family who loved him dearly. We thank him for his service and being a great Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather.