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James F. Wikaryasz, 91, Alpena, died on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at Medilodge - Alpena.
James was born to the late Stanley and Celia (Kieliszewski) Wikaryasz on July 24, 1935, in Alpena where he shared many fond and happy memories.
James attended a one-room schoolhouse with eight different grades and moved to Catholic Central in 1950. On April 16, 1955, he married Vivian Rienstra at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Pilarski officiating. James was employed at Besser Company and Abitibi from 1955 - 1963 and later left with his family for Detroit seeking better wages. He worked for "The Big Three"; Ford Motor Co., General Motors 1964-65, and returned to Ford Motor Co. as a supervisor for 4 years. In 1970 he started at Chrysler for eight years, until being diagnosed with MS and retired on disability in 1978. James returned to Alpena in 1989.
Surviving are his former wife, Vivian Dent; five children, Michelle Solomon, Melissa (Jarvis) Burroughs, Sheila Wikaryasz, Lowell Wikaryasz, Lavon (James) Zimmerman; 10 grandchildren, Brian McCreary, Ralph, Rendell and Myron Winston, Antonella, Athena and Alyssia Solomon, Faith Zimmerman, James and Erin Wikaryasz; 12 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; one brother, Stanley Wikaryasz Jr.; two sisters, Eleanore (Dan) Bouchard, Margorie Nasser; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Wikaryasz was preceded in death by a daughter, Victoria McCreary, two siblings, Joseph Wikaryasz, and June Nowosielski.
Visitation will take place at St. Anne Church of All Saints Parish on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at noon with Rev. Emmanuel Finbarr officiating. Arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Senior Citizens of Alpena, or K of C – Hillman
To my immediate family, brothers and sisters, also my many friends, with much love come visit me at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Maple Ridge.