Ernest Kurkierewicz

Ernie proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Ranger as an Airman, earning the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service supporting U.S. operations in South Vietnam. Following his military service, he married Dolores Esther (Wasilk) Kurkierewicz on Aug. 20, 1966, and together they built a life and family.

Ernie spent his entire career with Uniroyal, where he advanced from tire changer to the only Ride Engineer in the United States, testing tires to ensure consumer safety. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, bowling, and birdwatching. He was a longtime member of the “Dusk Til Dawn” deer camp for over 35 years.

He is survived by his wife, Dolores Kurkierewicz; his sons, Keith (Lindsay) Kurkierewicz and Jeremy (Kate) Kurkierewicz; grandchildren, Brady, Drew, Andrew, and Sydney; and sisters, Verna (Emory) Olmstead, Mildred Boynton, and Janet (Tim) Garant.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents who raised him, Norman and Nellie Summerfeld; brothers Marvin, David, Edmond, Leonard, Jim, and Tom; and sister Leona.

A viewing will be held at McWilliams Funeral Home on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of military honors at 2 p.m. accorded by VFW Post 2496 and the U.S. Navy. Memorial donations can be made to Special Olympics of MI.