-Stella  Dudek-

- Birch Run, MI - The Lord took Stella Esther Dudek into his arms while surrounded by family on March 6, 2010 at the age of 92 after a brief illness. Stella was born to John and Victoria Sapala in Farrell PA, October 25, 1917. She married Stefan Dudek on June 1, 1940, and they made a home together on their farm near Fosters, MI. Together they operated a post office which they later converted into Dudek’s General Store. She was the postal clerk and owner of the store until 1986. She was a member of a school board, avid gardner, loved to travel, and supported several local bingo organizations. She visited Poland, Acapulco, Jamaica, Aruba, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas, and most of the continental United States. She was independent, lived at home, and enjoyed family and crocheting for her grand and great grandchildren. Some of her afghans, table cloths, and other items won numerous awards at the Saginaw County Fair. She was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Bridgeport, MI. Surviving are three children and their spouses, Peter (Betty Lou) Dudek; Sandra (Wayne) Bickel; David (Mary) Dudek; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren Kim (Alan) Briggs, Wayne (Shari) Bickel, Jeremy (Gloria) Bickel, Nicholas Dudek, Joshua Briggs, Trevor Bickel, Damian Dudek, Jennifer Briggs, and J. Alex Bickel; sister Marie Petroski, brothers Walter and Mike Sapala of Pennsylvania. Besides her husband she was predeceased by a son and a daughter, Stephen and Sharon, sisters Ann Maykowski, Florence Sapala, and brothers Ted, John, and Frank Sapala. Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at Assumption B.V.M. Catholic Church, 7877 Bell Road. Rev. Fr. John Sarge will officiate with burial in Assumption B.V.M. Cemetery. Her family will receive friends at the W. L. Case & Company Chapel, 5700 Dixie Highway, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, where a Vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Friends and family may then call at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. www.casefuneralhome.com