John Ted Bieniek

BIENIEK, John, T., January 14, 2026, Age 93. Where do we even begin? Just three weeks ago, we were speaking about my mom—her virtues, her kindness, her strength, and the beautiful work she did here on earth. She left us on December 20. And now, with heavy hearts, we share that my dad has joined her in heaven. Theirs was a love story that began more than 70 years ago—John Bieniek and Irena Gruenfeld. A young, romantic Frenchman and a sweet, fresh-faced Polish girl with a gift for storytelling. When they were dating, he proposed to her every night, until one day Irena finally said yes. Then John said, “Wait for me while I’m deployed during the Korean War?” And she said yes again. Two years later, they sealed the deal. They never really did anything apart. And it feels only right that one would not remain without the other for long. A little about my dad. He was hard-working in the way men of his generation simply were—a man’s man. When he had a hernia, he taped it down with duct tape and kept going. At 20, he drove a big truck. At 70, he was up on the roof fixing something only to come down and change his grandchild’s diaper. He was Mr. Tool Time, his love of tools rivaled only by his passion for sports—especially European football. Back in France, he played on a farm team for a professional club, so his children learned early how to bounce a soccer ball off their heads. He was every family member’s biggest fan, especially if you played soccer or hockey. He was also an avid fan of road bike racing. He went to any race held locally in Detroit back in the day and faithfully followed the Tour de France every year. He especially loved when the race passed through his hometown of Perrone, France—it always felt like a personal victory to him. Even into his 90s, he loved a good political discussion. He was thoughtful, engaged, and open-minded —not an old fuddy-duddy with reactionary views. He also loved the latest gadgets and could often be found on his iPad and iPhone, working through crossword puzzles and word games. Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! were staples in the house, like clockwork. After surviving three bouts of cancer, you would never know it. He always had a joke ready and a smile on his face. His doctor once called him “an amazing anomaly.” To all of us who knew and loved him, that description could not be more fitting. We trust that God, who brought mom and dad together so long ago, has now welcomed them home—together—where love is complete and everlasting. Beloved husband of the late Irene for 70 cherished years. Loving father of Angela (Edward) Hogan, Monica Bieniek, Thomas (Dena Jayson) Bieniek, Cathleen O'Hare, Donna (Joseph) Moceri, and Christina (Jorge) Ramos. Proud grandfather of 10 and great grandfather of 1. Predeceased by his dear sister Hedwig Pachulec. John was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. Visitation Sunday, January 25th from 3-7pm with a 6pm Rosary service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile Rd). Funeral Monday, January 26th instate 9:30am at St. John Paul II Parish (Transfiguration) 5830 Simon K St., Detroit until time of Mass 10am. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Rd. Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com

John Ted Bieniek

October 2, 1932 - January 14, 2026