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Michael Anthony Makulski
1943-2021
Michael Anthony Makulski, 78, was called home on July 24, 2021, surrounded by family after a short illness. His warmth, humor and love of people will be missed by all those who knew him.
Mike grew up in Detroit, the youngest of 3 Makulski boys. After graduating from University of Detroit High School in 1961, he began an undergraduate degree at University of Detroit. Eventually, he transferred to the University of Michigan and completed a B.A. in English in 1965. He taught elementary school until enlisting as an officer with the U.S. Army in 1967.
He was proud of his service in the Army, attaining the rank of Captain and serving a tour of duty in Vietnam during 1969-70. He was awarded the Bronze Star before being honorably discharged in 1971. Upon his return to the United States, he completed an M.A. in Education from Marygrove College and taught and coached track for several years at University of Detroit High School. Eventually, he earned a J.D. With Distinction in one of the first graduating classes from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing in 1977.
After being admitted to the State Bar of Michigan, Mike began his law career in private practice in Bay City. However, he spent the majority of his career with Dow Chemical in Midland from 1980-1993. During this time, he served as Dow's General Counsel for Texas Operations in Freeport, TX, ultimately retiring from the Dow legal department in 1993. He remained a member in good standing with the State Bars of both Michigan and Texas until the time of his death.
Mike had a passion for golf, which he indulged as often as possible with friends from as far back as childhood and as recent as people he met after retirement. He remained an active member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association and a parishioner at Sacred Heart parish in Manvel, TX. He was also active with the Knights of Columbus as a 3rd He is survived by his wife, Sharon Makulski of Pearland, TX, and his children: Marty and Darlene Makulski of Pearland, TX, as well as their children, Isabel and Daniel Makulski; Erin (Makulski) Sandler-Rathe and her husband Rob Rathe of Bedford, MA, and her children, Nathan and Hannah Sandler; and Kelly (Makulski) Stadler and her husband Matt Stadler of Flower Mound, TX, and her children, Emily Salmans and Addy Chapman. Also surviving him are his brother, Thomas Makulski of Grand Rapids, MI, and his wife, Arlene, and his sister-in-law, Dr. Jane Makulski of Berkley, MI, as well as more than two dozen nieces and nephews. With his passing, he joins his parents, Norbert and Emily Makulski, as well as his brother, Dennis, who preceded him in death.
The family asks that those who wish to honor Mike's memory do so with a donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation for veterans, St. Jude Hospital for Children, Houston Hospice, Jesuit ministries or other charities of their choice.