Raymond “Ray” Pytleski, 88

Raymond “Ray” Pytleski of Allenton died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, July 27, 2024, after an extended illness. He was 88 years old.

His parents were Joseph and Helen (nee Kowalczyk) Pytleski. The seventh of nine children, he was born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 31, 1936. Growing up in Detroit, he graduated from Wilbur Wright High School in 1953. Raymond married Florence Laszczak at the Church of the Resurrection on June 14, 1958. Last year they celebrated 65 years of marriage. They lived in Detroit and Warren before moving to Allenton in 1971.

He was taught carpentry by his father and worked alongside four of his five brothers: Jim, Leonard, Tom and Eddie, as well as various cousins and nephews throughout the years. Continuing his father’s legacy, Ray passed on the trade to his sons Peter, Mark, Paul, Matt, and John. To this day, sons and grandsons continue the tradition of Pytleski Building with thousands of custom built homes throughout Michigan.

In the midst of a weak economy in the early 80s he proudly farmed to supplement his income. He also volunteered for the Berlin Township Fire Department, was Grand Knight of the Imlay City Knights of Columbus, and worked as the Berlin Township Building Inspector.
Never happy being idle he rose early, eager to start each day. He worked all day, came home and continued to work out in the barn and yard. There was always a job to be done. Daily, he left a list of chores for his kids and later, phone messages for his grandkids to do the same. He loved work.

Had Ray not been a carpenter, he would have gladly been a long haul driver. He spent many vacations driving to the Southwest with friends and family. He would reach his destination only to question “when should we get back on the road?”. He had an internal compass and could provide directions how to cross the country on a blue highway and recommend the nearest ice cream shop. He retired in his early 70s but kept busy with projects and occasionally visited job sites to swing a hammer, run the crane, or build stairs. A faithful Roman Catholic, he was an excellent provider and example of charity to his wife, seven children, their spouses, and was Papa to his 32 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Donna (Mark) Simpson, Michelle Pytleski, Mark (Kim) Pytleski, Paul (Mary) Pytleski, Matthew (Carol) Pytleski, John (Kimberly) Pytleski and Beth Ann Klein; and sister, Frances Igl-Clarke. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Flo; brothers Joe, Leonard, Jim, Tom and Eddie; sisters, Helen and Margie; son, Peter Pytleski and son-in-law, Bob Klein.

Visitation was at Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City, 225 North Main Street, Imlay City, on July 29, 2024 with a Rosary also said.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church in Lapeer on July 30, 2024.

Memorials may be given to Immaculate Conception Church.

Please be sure to sign our on-line register book at www.muirbrothersfh.com to
share memories and condolences with the family.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine on him. May he and all of the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.