Wallace Michael Ozog

Wallace Michael “Wacek” Ozog, age 85, was born on September 27, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to Polish immigrant parents Joseph Ozog Sr. and Mary Szczypek. The ninth of thirteen children, he was preceded in death by his siblings Frank, Stanley, Thaddeus, Stella, Ann, Anthony, Lottie, John, Joan, Eugene, and Dorothy. He is survived by his brother, Joseph (Nina) Ozog Jr. On August 12, 1966, Wallace married Joann Shirley Kushel, and together they shared 59 years of marriage. He is survived by his children Michael (Deanna), Mark, and Christopher (Barb); grandchildren Ryan, Grace, Olivia, Cassidy, Ian, Jack (Ashley), Jonathan, Taylor (Michael), and Madison; great-grandchildren Bjorn and Primrose; sister-in-law Camille Ozog; brother-in-law Dr. Thomas Carson; and many nieces and nephews. Wallace earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the Detroit Institute of Technology and spent 32 years with the Michigan Department of Social Services as an analyst and consultant, retiring in 1998. Shortly after retiring, he became National President of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA), following 12 years of service as National Non-Resident Vice President. From 1998 to 2010, he and Joann lived in Chicago while maintaining their home in Warren, Michigan. Wallace’s dedication to PRCUA began at age 18 and continued throughout his life. His involvement spanned sports programs, cultural initiatives, Polish language and dance schools, and membership growth. A lifelong promoter of Polish culture, he proudly represented the organization and met numerous dignitaries, including Pope John Paul II, Polish President Lech Wałęsa, various U.S. Presidents, Cardinal Józef Glemp, and other religious leaders. He was a longtime member of PRCUA Societies Fr. Al’s (1493) and St. John Paul (1593), where he organized sporting tournaments, fundraising events, and community activities. Known for his Polish babka and his veal and pork meatballs, Wallace brought joy to gatherings with his humor, warmth, and genuine positivity. He remained deeply involved in his sons’ lives, attending their activities and offering steadfast support. He and Joann worked as true partners throughout their marriage. Wallace was also a member of Friends of the Cardinal, Michigan FICs, Lifetime member and Chairman of the Polish Museum of America, Lifetime member of Polish American Cultural Center, PAC Scholarship President, Ambassador and on the Board of Regents at Orchard Lake St. Mary and oversaw the Detroit Polish Festival and Detroit Tigers Polish American Night for many years. Wallace passed away peacefully from pulmonary fibrosis under hospice care and the compassionate support of Teresa Budnik. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: · Orchard Lake Schools – Wally and Joann Ozog Endowed Scholarship Fund · DeLaSalle Collegiate – Wally and Joann Ozog Endowed Scholarship Fund · Sr. Ann Ozog Scholarship Endowment Fund · The Polish Museum of America (Chicago, Illinois) Visitation will be on Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 3:00pm - 8:00pm, with Rosary at 7:00pm, at Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors, 3801 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314 Mass will be held at St. Anne, 32000 Mound Road, Warren, MI Cemetery: 18201 Clinton River Road, Clinton Township, MI. Instate at 9:30am. Mass at 10:00am. Bóg Zapłać, Wacek. God Bless, Wallace. You will be greatly missed.

Wallace Michael Ozog

September 27, 1940 - February 28, 2026