Norbert Richard Kaczmarek, age 99, passed away on December 28, 2025.

Born on October 18, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, Norbert was the son of Polish immigrants Walter and Josephine Kaczmarek. He graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1944 and, at just 17 years old, enlisted in the United States Army with his parents’ permission. He proudly served during World War II as a Technician Fifth Grade with the 84th Infantry Division, known as the “Railsplitters,” before being honorably discharged in 1946.

After returning home, Norbert attended the University of Michigan on the G.I. Bill, earning his associate’s degree. He went on to build a long and successful career with Ford Motor Company in automotive body engineering, dedicating thirty years to the company. Even after retirement, his passion for engineering and mentorship led him to return as a consultant, guiding new engineers before officially retiring in 1993. He also remained closely connected to his Ford Body Engineering colleagues, faithfully attending monthly luncheons for many years.

Family was always Norbert’s greatest priority. He met the love of his life, Carolyn, at Detroit Baptist Camp, later named “Camp Lael” in Lapeer, Michigan, where a shared faith and sense of purpose formed the foundation of a lifelong partnership. They were married in 1952 and together raised four children. Norbert worked tirelessly to provide a good life for his family while instilling in his children the importance of education, responsibility, and service. He encouraged their involvement in Boy and Girl Scouts and music education, and made time for regular family reunions and vacations. It was especially important to him that his children experience the country, and he proudly ensured they traveled to all 48 contiguous states before adulthood. Deeply proud of his family, Norbert always kept photos of them in his wallet, ready to share and show off to anyone willing to look.

Norbert had a lifelong love of boating and being on the water. Generous with both his time and his boat, he delighted in teaching his own children and many others to water ski and tube. His family often said that Norbert taught hundreds of children to enjoy the water, always patient, encouraging, and eager to share the joy he found there.

As his children grew older, Norbert continued to travel, including a meaningful trip to Poland and the Czech Republic with his brother Connie during the era of the Iron Curtain, reconnecting with extended family and honoring his heritage. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he remained deeply involved in his church community. He also had a profound appreciation for music, regularly attending Detroit Symphony Orchestra concerts. His love of music and engineering came together when Northwestern Baptist Church in Southfield acquired the historic Rose Terrace organ from the Dodge Mansion, where Norbert played a pivotal role in its installation.

Norbert’s life was defined by quiet strength, service to others, and an unwavering devotion to family, faith, and community. His example will continue to guide those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Norbert was the beloved husband of the late Carolyn for 72 years. He was the loving father of Ann (Robert) Kuelbs, Brian (Pamela) Kaczmarek, Susan (Eugene) Patin, and Paul (Diana) Kaczmarek; proud grandfather of Kathryn (Gregory) Poulos, Andrew (Gabrielle) Kuelbs, Jennifer Ristoski, Brianne (Wade) Cooke, Andrew Kaczmarek, Kevin Kaczmarek, Patrick (Megan) Patin, and Ryan (Madeline) Patin; and cherished great-grandfather of Anika, Elianna, Kendall, Liam, Evelyn, Benjamin, and Kaia. He was the dearest brother of the late Constance Kaczmarek, Arthur Kaczmarek, and Irene Proszek.

Visitation for Norbert will be held Sunday, January 4th, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. Visitation will continue Monday, January 5th, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Norbert will be laid to rest at Acacia Park Cemetery in Beverly Hills.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Norbert’s name may be directed to Camp Lael, where Norbert and Carolyn met, 2062 Ferns Road, Lapeer, Michigan 48446, or to University of Michigan Veterans of the Game, LLC, 6 Timberlane Court, Dearborn, Michigan 48126. Norbert was honored as a Veteran of the Game on the field during a University of Michigan football game on November 1, 2025.