Emil R.

Ciolek

Emil Robert Ciolek

Bridgeport, Michigan

Beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Birch Run Fields Assisted Living, following a brief illness, at age 99 years old.

The son of the late Andrew and Janina (Kisiewska) Ciolek, Emil was born on February 15, 1927, in Bridgeport, Michigan. He married the love of his life, Edwina Mae Tyrrell, on September 11, 1948. They shared over 44 years together until her passing on May 16, 1993. Together, they started CIOLEK’s Xmas Trees in Bridgeport Township in the late 1950’s. He continued the cut your own tree farm until 2019 with his son Mark.

Emil served in the U.S. Army during WWII stationed in Okinawa Japan. He retired from Saginaw Malleable Iron Foundry after 25 years. He was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Bridgeport. He served his community through the Bridgeport Charter Township Planning Commission and Water Board. A skilled builder and family man, he built four homes for his family, creating a legacy of hard work and dedication.

Surviving are his sons, Thomas (Michelle) Ciolek, David Ciolek, Mark Ciolek, Steve (Cathy) Ciolek; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and a former daughter-in-law, Nancy Ciolek. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Besides his wife and his parents, Emil was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifford, and Marie Tyrrell; brothers, Mitchell (Elizabeth) Ciolek, Benjamin (Leona) Ciolek; daughter-in-law, Barb Ciolek; great-grandson, Chase Ciolek.

Funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 5700 Dixie Hwy, Saginaw, MI 48601. Rev. Julie Bailey will officiate with burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit the family from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 16, 2026, and from 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral chapel. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to a charity of the donor’s choice.