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GINETTE and EDWARD PIONTKOWSKI

Ginette Genevieve Piontkowski, 90, and Edward J. Piontkowski, 93 passed away peacefully on Friday, April 21, 2017 and Saturday, April 22, 2017, respectively, at MediLodge of Hillman just hours apart from each other.

Ginette Genevieve Gogue was born on March 12, 1927 in France to the late Julius and Cecile (Jeunesse) Gogue. Edward was born on March 22, 1924 in Alpena to the late Frank and Pelagia (Kotwicki) Piontkowski. Edward served in the United States Army under General Patton’s Third Army during WWII, and was in the city of Mars-la-tour, where he and Ginette started their over 70 years of love together. Following the war, Ed returned to Alpena leaving the love of his life in France where she continued her education and graduated in July 1946 from Academie DeCoupe with top honors in “haute couture”. Despite a job offer in Paris as a fashion designer, Ginette chose to move to Alpena to be with her “American Soldier”. On Aug. 9, 1947, they were married at St. Anne Catholic Church by Rev. Simon in a bilingual ceremony. Together they raised their family with Ed working at Huron Portland Cement Company until his retirement in 1986. Together they were members of St. Mary Catholic Church, enjoyed long walks, bicycling, and traveling. He was also a member of the VFW Alpena Post 2496. She enjoyed seamstress work, tending to her flowers, gardens and loved animals of all kinds. Ginette also enjoyed her visits with other “War Brides” and many family and friends that would visit from France.

Together they are survived by their children, Jerry (Vicki) Piontkowski, Laurie (Charles) Kinyon; sister-in-law, Margaret Piontkowski; many nieces, nephews both in the U.S. and France; step-grandchildren, Lisa Wool, Brian (Sue) Gustin; step-great-grandchildren, and a step-great-great-grandchild.

They were preceded in death by Ginette’s sister, Yvette (Louis) Bouteiller; Edward’s siblings, Mary (Ford) Tracey, Wanda (Frank) DeLecki; and Clarence Piontkowski.

Visitation for Mr. and Mrs. Piontkowski will take place at the Bannan Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. with military honors accorded Mr. Piontkowski at 5 p.m. by VFW Alpena Post 2496. Visitation will continue Wednesday at St. Anne Church of All Saints Parish from 10 a.m. until the time of the mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. James Fitzpatrick officiating.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery

Memorials: All Saints Parish or Huron Humane Society