Donald S. Pikula passed away June 11, 2022 at the age of 91.

Donald (Don) Pikula was the third child born to John and Mary Pikula.  He grew up with his siblings Virginia, John and Patricia in the family home above his father's plumbing shop in Detroit, Michigan.  Don had aspirations of becoming an engineer, but his plans had to change following his father's stroke.  While still in high school, Don had to help support the family plumbing and heating business.  He became a Master Plumber at an early age and worked in the field for 50 years.  The majority of Don's career was spent working in partnership with his brother, John and for over a decade with John's son, Gary.  Don also had the opportunity to work alongside his own son, Mark, on a part-time basis when Mark was in high school and college.

Don's parents had a cottage on the St. Clair River, and he spent many memorable days there with extended family and friends.  It was on this river that he met the love of his life, Marlene Ullrey.  He and Marlene were married in 1954.  They remained happily married for almost 54 years before her passing in 2008.  They were blessed with two children, Mark and Donna.  Dearborn had been Don's home for the past 60 years, and he lived there independently until his passing at the age of 91.  Don was also proceeded in death by his parents and three siblings Virginia Blaine, John Pikula, Patricia Simon and their spouses.  Don is survived by his children Mark (Karen) and Donna (Bill Norris); four grandchildren Donald G (Catherine), Mark L (Hannah), Hope Norris (Jake Exkorn) and Grace Norris; and three great grandchildren Elliot, Adam and Leo.  He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Throughout his life, Don put in long hours and worked hard, but he always looked forward to family weekend time.  Winter weekends were spent up north at his Caberfae ski cottage near Cadillac, Michigan.  Don loved snow skiing from the first moment his skis hit the slopes, and he made life-long friends with many Caberfae neighbors.  Later in life, Don chose to undergo knee replacement surgery so he could keep riding the chairlifts.  Don reached his goal too of skiing after major heart surgery.  He took his last run down the Caberfae hills at age 88.  Don was happy to have skied with all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, but he was especially proud of having four generations of Pikulas on the hills at the same time.  Summer weekends were spent at the St. Clair River cottage.  He especially liked to fly over the water in his red, 19-foot Sea Ray boat as fast as the 300 HP mercury engine could go.  For over a decade, Don was also a "Michigan snowbird".  He spent many spring and fall months with Marlene and their friends at their Florida cottage.

Don was a kind and generous man who took care of everyone he loved.  He spent countless hours helping family and neighbors with home improvement projects, long before DIY videos and shows became popular.  He had the tools, the skills and the expertise to do any job right and he was a life-long learner.  He was a high energy, hardworking and loving man who lived life to the fullest.  Don was quick to smile, had a positive outlook and kept his sense of humor even during the most challenging times.  He will be missed by many dear family members and friends.

Please consider donations in Don's name to the following charities:

Scholarships for individuals pursuing a career in the trades through the Mike Rowe Works Foundation

Make-A-Wish

The Memorial Service on Friday, June 24th at 12:00pm will be livestreamed to Howe-Peterson's YouTube Page. To view this livestream, please click the following link shortly before noon: Howe-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services - YouTube