Gregory George Hebel

Hebel, Gregory G., August 8, 2020 at age 81. He was the beloved husband of Joanne for 59 cherished years. Loving father of Cheryl ( Michael) Ratusznik and Brian (Gale) Hebel. Proud, doting grandfather of Nathan Hebel, Erin Hebel and Sarah Ratusznik. Brother-in-law to Nancy Lefever. Predeceased by 3 dear siblings. Greg was born to George and Eleanor Hebel in Detroit, Michigan on October 10, 1938. He was the youngest of his siblings. Greg met Joanne, his future wife, on a blind date at Richard’s Drive In. Greg was a faithful member of St. Veronica Catholic Church in East Detroit from 1962-1990. In 1990 they moved to Clinton Township. There he became a member of St. Paul of Tarsus Catholic Church. Practically nothing could keep Greg from attending Saturday mass, until recently. He was a hard worker and dedicated employee for Michigan Bell then AT&T then SBC for 52 years! 52 years with the same company. He worked the midnight shift as a switchman. Even after retirement we continued to hear about his working days. Good health was very important to Greg. Exercise was imperative. It wasn’t something he looked forward to but he did it anyway and felt better afterward. He rarely missed a day. While living in East Detroit, he rode his bike on all the north and south streets, then all the east and west streets in his neighborhood. When they moved to Clinton Township he traded in his bike for walking shoes. Every day he walked 9 miles. Every day. One could almost set a clock to him riding or walking by. No matter the weather rain, sun, snow, ice, nor high humidity would keep him from walking. He met many new friends along the way. After his blood clot scare at age 70, he still walked, but he did slow down to just 6 miles a every day. Greg would “discuss” the health benefits of various vitamins and natural supplements to anyone who asked or anyone he thought might benefit from his knowledge. They were a big part of his daily plan since he wasn’t a fan of most foods. He did enjoy his bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and a plate of spaghetti for dinner. He always said, if you were wearing spaghetti sauce on you somewhere, then it was really good. But by far, his all time favorite was homemade banana cream pie. Sometimes he ate almost the whole pie himself. He was a logical thinker and great debater. Joanne disliked the “arguing” dad would do with his siblings and family, but he reassured her they weren’t arguing, they were “discussing” current topics loudly. He loved to be out on the water and go fishing. He didn't ever eat the fish, but he loved catching them. He enjoyed his annual deer hunting trips in the Fall even if he didn’t get a deer for the first 25 years. Later he got a couple of does but never the elusive buck. Crossword puzzles and logic problems challenged his brain. Every summer he took the family to a cottage on a different lake. It was usually a relaxing trip, he just wasn’t a fan of packing the car for the trip. He loved photography and took many pictures and slides of all the places he went. Beautiful slide shows were a common event after a long trip. Playing the lottery was a fun game for him as well as the slot machines in the casinos. He enjoyed watching The Weather Channel and reading books. Family gatherings from childhood to the present were a favorite. He loved seeing his relatives, spending time with his old and new friends, his great neighbors, and catching up at his class reunions. He has shared many stories of his past with his family over the years. A great man, kind and gentle, unless you disagreed with him, then he would challenge you, nicely most of the time. Sometimes he could be a bit...strong willed. Sometimes. He was a fighter, determined not to let anything stop him. He always challenged himself (and sometimes his doctors). Greg rarely asked for help but was always willing to help others. From cutting down trees to mashing potatoes, he was there to lend a helping hand. At age 80 he had quadruple bypass surgery. That didn’t stop him. He gladly went to cardiac rehab and worked hard to be strong. He purchased a treadmill so he could safely walk inside until he was strong enough to go outside. He continued to say, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it, whether it was your brain or your muscles. In the end, we were telling an ICU staff member how dad was a fighter. He was going to fight for his life. She said he did, but God said you’ve done enough. Now it’s time for you to rest. Dad’s death was a shock to us all. He never let on that he was ready to quit but God knew he needed him. For those who knew him we hope you know how much he cared for you, would do anything for you and to never give up. Funeral Mass is Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 12 noon at St. Paul of Tarsus Catholic Church located at 41300 Romeo Plank @ Canal. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Share memories with the family at the “On-Line Guest Book” @WujekCalcaterra.com Unfortunately the family will not be able to host a luncheon or gathering after the Mass due to the current health restrictions in place. ***Please be advised that in observance of the governmental order from the State of Michigan we kindly ask, for the safety and well-being of the families we serve, that everyone practice social distancing and wear a mask***

Gregory George Hebel

October 10, 1938 - August 8, 2020