Gerald Thomas Platek

Gerald Thomas Platek of Livonia passed away August 22, 2023 at the age of 73. He was born March 4, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan to Joseph and Stella Platek. Beloved husband of Gloria for 50 years. Loving father of Bradley (Jan) Platek, Elizabeth (the late Michael) McCauley, Sara Somers, and Alan (Leslie) Platek. Dearest grandfather of Angelica, Katelyn, Emma, Otto, and Olive. Dear brother of Dolly (Bob) Kluba, Ron Platek, the late Christine Heins, and Maryann Keeler. Brother-in-law of Bob Heins. He will also be missed by his dog and faithful companion Bailey.

Jerry & Gloria met when they were 14 & 16 years old in high school, as the term goes high school sweethearts. They married in 1972 & moved to Dearborn. Two years later their 1st child Bradley was born. Then 4 years later came Elizabeth & they moved to Livonia. After that was Sara, 20 months later, and finally Alan 6 years after that. So, the family was complete.

As a family, favorite things to do were going camping on summer vacation and attending Polish dance group functions & activities. Jerry’s favorite hobbies were gambling at the casino, taking a leisurely motorcycle ride, going out to eat, and visiting with the family on holidays & birthdays. He also liked hanging out at home watching television with his dog. He was always willing to lend a hand helping one of the kids fix their car or something in their house or a relative who needed a job done.

One thing that brought him a lot of joy were his grandkids. He was always happy to see them & liked to be generous giving them stuff too. He supported their achievements & seeing them excel in school & hobbies and receiving their sacraments. When the kids were grown Gloria & Jerry liked vacationing together on trips, especially cruises. They enjoyed Europe, the Caribbean, and especially Hawaii ( 3 times ). He liked to sing, he liked to dance & have fun. He liked to joke, he liked to tease, he liked the banter. I can only imagine what being together with someone for 50 years is like but one thing I know without a doubt there was great love underneath it all! <3

Visitation Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 3-8 pm with a Rosary at 7 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48154. Instate Monday, August 28, 2023 from 10:30 am until time of Mass at 11 am at St. Genevieve – St. Maurice Catholic Church, 29015 Jamison St, Livonia, MI 48154. Interment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, Michigan.