Graydon James Choinski

CHOINSKI, Graydon. February 26, 2023. Age 87. Beloved husband of the late Vernie "Lola". Loving father of Rebecca (Ulrich) Schneeweiss, John Choinski, Mary (Thomas) White, Susanne (Marty) Grabowski, and Joseph Mann. Proud grandfather of Sven, Sean, Soren, Brandon, Evan, Jim, JoAnn, Brian, Sarah, Megan, and great grandfather of Chole, McKayla, Graydon, Owen, Maddie, Sandra, and Paul. Visitation, Monday from 3-9pm with a 7pm Prayer Service at Wujek – Calcaterra & Sons Inc., (Shelby Twp.) 54880 Van Dyke @ 25 Mile Rd. Instate, Tuesday from 9:30 until time of 10:00am Mass at St. Kieran Church, 53600 Mound Rd., (Btwn 24 & 25 Mild Rd). Interment, Christian Memorial Gardens West, with procession from St. Kieran. Luncheon, to follow at Cherry Creek, 52000 Cherry Creek Dr., Shelby Twp. (24 Mile Rd., East of Van Dyke). Graydon was born in the home of John Anthony Choinski and Ruth Evangel [Huckle], 14 Mile & Ryan Roads, Warren, MI; living near their Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins. Graydon and sister, Eleanor, grew up from humble beginnings and with strong family values. They lived behind the family-owned corner gas station and small market, selling packaged and local farm goods. After their father’s passing in 1945, the three of them continued to operate the store for a few years. As a young boy, Graydon took on odd jobs and worked the family farm to help provide for his mom and sister. In 1954 Graydon graduated from Troy High School where he lettered in football, basketball, and track, during which he was awarded numerous county and state championships. He enjoyed playing and watching sports, as well as coached baseball for his sons John and Joe. Graydon, loyal and loving husband (married June 29, 1957), father, grandfather, great grandfather; devout and active practicing Catholic, and parishioner of St. Kieran Catholic Church. A dedicated man, independent and strong, yet always humble. He gave all of himself without asking for anything in return. With Lola, they raised 5 children and 4 grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, gardening, working with his hands, and sharing his wisdom with family. As a young husband and father, Graydon worked multiple jobs to make ends meet and provide a wonderful life for his family. He went to night school part time for 8 years to earn a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineer degree in 1964 from University of Detroit. In 1968, while working at TRW Inc., Warren, Graydon invented and received a patent for "self-energizing pressure compensating valve" in hydraulic brake systems. Since 1973, Graydon worked for MGM Brakes and later relocated to Charlotte area. He holds several patents with this company (1996-2002). Some are still in use today. He retired in 2002 for medical reasons. Graydon and his family are forever grateful to the wonderful soul who donated their heart 21 years ago for transplant that extended his life. Also, for the skilled cardiologists and vascular surgeons of Atrium Health's Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC. You too may be able to save a life, so please consider becoming an organ donor. The family will forever hold him dear in our hearts and be blessed by years of immeasurable wonderful memories. In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to Sanger Heart and Vascular at Atrium Health Foundation, 208 East Blvd, Charlotte NC 28203 (https://www.atriumhealthfoundation.org/get-involved/donate/), or St. Kieran Church, 53600 Mound Rd, Shelby Twp., MI 48316, (https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-20001196?tab=home).

Graydon James Choinski

October 22, 1935 - February 26, 2023