Our History
In 1956, Eugene J. Mandziuk built the first funeral home in what was then called Van Dyke, Michigan in Warren Township. The single-story building was erected on family property next to the home where Eugene was born and raised. That house still sits south of the funeral home.
At the time of Eugene Mandziuk's birth, the area surrounding Ryan and Nine Mile was primarily produce farms on dirt roads. Today it is an active commercial district that has adapted and changed to meet the needs of a growing community.
As the city of Warren evolved so did Mandziuk Funeral Home, which expanded several times and is now twice its original size. In 2000, Mandziuk and Son Funeral Directors added a second location on the corner of Ryan and 18 Mile Roads.
Eugene Mandziuk and his wife Marilyn created a business based on dedication and family values. Their son Jeff and his wife Lila, both licensed funeral directors, are ready to continue the committed service of caring for families in their time of need.
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Eugene J. Mandziuk, Sr., Founder - September 15, 1926 - October 2, 2017
Mr. Gene Mandziuk graduated from the Wayne State Mortuary Science program and began his career at Hamilton Funeral Home in Royal Oak. Together with his wife Marilyn he started E.J. Mandziuk Funeral Directors in 1956. Gene was actively involved in Kiwanis, the Warren Historical Society, St. Mark's Ushers, and Knights of Columbus. His awards for service in these and other organizations are too numerous to mention. Mr. Mandziuk passed away peacefully on October 2, 2017 at the age of 91. He was dedicated to serving the community where he lived his entire life.
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Jeff Mandziuk, Sr., President, Owner
Jeff Mandziuk graduated from New England Institue in Mortuary Science in 1987 and has worked at Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors ever since. Jeff is a member of the Polish Century Club, Knights of Columbus, St. Anne's Men Club and Motor City Packard Group. He restores antique Packard automobiles for use in funeral services. Jeff is a licensed pre-need funeral provider and versed in every aspect of funeral service. He is the proud father of two sons and a daughter.
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Lila Mandziuk, Funeral Director
Lila graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelors in Mortuary Science in 2002. She also holds a Bachelors and Masters in communication. Lila worked at General Motors as a speech writer before entering funeral service. She received the 2003 MFDA Achievement in Funeral Service Award. She is a lector at St. Anne Catholic Church, plays soccer with the Great Lakes Women's Soccer League and volunteers with various organizations. She is also the proud mother of two sons and a daughter.
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JJ Mandziuk II, Funeral Director
Jeffrey (JJ) Mandziuk II is the oldest child of Jeff and Lila Mandziuk. JJ graduated with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University in August 2021. JJ has a diverse medical background working as a transporter at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, a Certified Nurse Assistant at the DMC in the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, a medical assistant in various doctor offices and is a certified phlebotomist. While at Wayne State University JJ served as volunteer coordinator for the Pre-PA student organization, won numerous volunteer awards and served as campus liaison for Red Cross Blood Drives. JJ continues to play hockey, golf and participates in local races.
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Mitchell Mandziuk, Resident Trainee
Mitchell Mandziuk is the second child of Jeff and Lila Mandziuk. Mitchell graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science. Mitchell is a Certified Crematory Operator and Licensed Mortuary Science Resident Trainee. Mitchell grew up in Sterling Heights attended St. Anne grade school in Warren and graduated from Bishop Foley Catholic High School in Madison Heights where he served on student council and as captain of the track, cross country and hockey teams. Mitchell continues to play hockey, golf and run local races. Mitchell looks forward to building on the care and service started by his grandfather and grandmother and continued by his father and mother.
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Samantha Pooley, Funeral Director
Samantha has worked at Mandziuk and Son Funeral Directors, Inc. since January of 2016. She graduated from Wayne State University with honors and received her Bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science in 2016. Samantha served her apprenticeship at Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors, Inc. following her graduation and continues her career as a full-time Funeral Director. While in school, Samantha participated in the National Funeral Directors Association Certified Crematory Operators Program and received her Crematory Operators Certification. She is also a member of the MFDA and the NFDA. Samantha has lived in Macomb County her entire life, attending St. Germaine Catholic School, Chippewa Valley High School, and Macomb Community College. Samantha is detail oriented, organized, and well versed in many different religions and services. She is compassionate, empathetic, and always goes above and beyond to serve the families she encounters. She is the proud mother of two.
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Katherine Janes, Funeral Director
Katherine joined Mandziuk and Son Funeral Directors in January 2022. She graduated from Fraser High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Morturary Science from Wayne State University and becoming a licensed funeral director. She worked at Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home and Kaul Funeral Home for several years. She is member of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association as well as the National Funeral Directors Association. Katherine brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to continue guiding families through the funeral process.
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Mike Gryczko, Office Manager, March 27, 1945 - December 1, 2023
Mike was born and raised in Jackson, Michigan before moving to Detroit in 1971. He began working in the funeral industry in 1989 becoming a member of E.J. Mandziuk and Son Funeral Directors in 2007. Mike was the organist at Our Lady Help of Christians for 25 years and continues to assist local churches in music ministry. Mike speaks Polish and enjoys being an active member of the Polish community in our area. Mike passed away at the age of 78. He will always be remembered in our hearts and memories.
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Linda McKenzie, Warren Office Manager
Linda has assisted at Mandziuk and Son Funeral Directors since 2012. She graduated from Fitzgerald High School and worked in various medical offices over the years. She brings advanced office and managerial skills to her new position and has gained comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of funeral service. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Kirt, for over 40 years and sent three daughters through Fitzgerald High School as well. Linda and Kirt have 6 grandchildren and continue to live in Warren where they grew up, met and raised their family. Linda enjoys working at the Warren location where she can help so many families that she personally knows.
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Larry Pokrywka, Funeral Assistant
Larry joined Mandziuk and Son Funeral Directors after his own father's funeral held in 2012. Larry is an usher at St. Jane Frances de Chantal where he and his wife, Lynette, have been members since the parish began in 1977. At that time masses were held at Flynn Middle School before the construction of the church building. Larry retired from General Motors after working at GM Photographic downtown. Larry and Lynette have been married over 50 years, have 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Larry enjoys helping families during visitations and funeral services.
