The family of Sigismund "Zig" Gasiewski of Wyandotte, MI announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
What follows is not the whole story, but a thread of it.
Sigismund spent his working life as ['the construction industry'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
The heart keeps better records than the calendar.
Sigismund "Zig" Gasiewski, a proud veteran, devoted husband, loving father, and steadfast family man, passed away May 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, hard work, and deep love for those he held dear.
Zig was born on March 29, 1945, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to the loving union of Alexander Gasiewski and Maryann Burlenski. Though his given name was Sigismund, he was known simply and affectionately as Zig to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him - a name that suited his larger than life personality perfectly.
Before even completing high school, Zig answered the call of duty and joined the United States Marine Corps, demonstrating at a young age the courage, discipline, and sense of honor that would define him throughout his life. He proudly and faithfully served his country for four years before receiving an honorable discharge - a distinction he carried with great pride for the rest of his days. Zig was a life member of the Wyandotte VFW #1136.
After his honorable discharge, Zig built a solid and respectable career in the construction industry, as a laborer and worked until his well-earned retirement, leaving behind a career he was rightfully proud of.
Through it all, however, the goal of earning his diploma was never far from his mind or his heart. In a truly remarkable display of determination, grit, and the never-quit spirit that his time in the Marine Corps had instilled in him, Zig made one of the most inspiring decisions of his life when he was in his 50s - he went back to school. While continuing to work full time in construction, Zig attended night classes, balancing the demands of a full work day with his studies and refusing to let anything stand between him and the goal he had carried for decades.
His perseverance paid off in extraordinary fashion when Zig earned his High School Diploma with honors - an achievement that was as extraordinary as the man himself. His inspiring story of dedication and determination caught the attention of the local community, and his accomplishment was featured in a local newspaper, a well-deserved recognition of a man who proved that it is never too late to finish what you started. It was a moment of immense pride not only for Zig but for everyone who knew and loved him, and it spoke volumes about the kind of man he truly was. He worked in the construction field until his well-earned retirement, leaving behind a career he was rightfully proud of.
Zig found the love of his life in Lois Tabor, and the two were joyfully united in marriage, building a life together rooted in love, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to one another. Zig and Lois celebrated 59 years of marriage together in April. He was a very proud husband who cherished Lois deeply and never missed an opportunity to look out for her and the family they built together.
When he wasn't working, Zig could most likely be found near the water with a fishing pole in hand. He had a true passion for fishing and was widely regarded by those who knew him as a remarkably skilled fisherman - the kind of fisherman whose stories were always backed up by results. In his younger years, Zig also enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, pursuing deer, pheasant, and rabbit with the same patience and skill he brought to everything he did.
Among Zig's most treasured possessions was his beloved 1966 Mustang - a classic car that was the pride and joy of a man who had a deep and genuine affinity for the beauty and craftsmanship of classic automobiles. His '66 Mustang was far more than just a car to Zig; it was a reflection of his passion, his personality, and his appreciation for things built with quality and care.
Above all else, however, Zig Gasiewski was a family man through and through. Everything he did, every sacrifice he made, and every day he lived was colored by his fierce love for and dedication to his family. He was a very proud father and husband who was always looking out for the wellbeing of those he loved, putting their needs before his own with a quiet and steady devotion that spoke louder than words ever could.
Zig was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Alexander and Maryann Gasiewski; his ten siblings, whose lives together helped shape the foundation of the close knit family man that Zig would become; and his cherished son, Todd Gasiewski, whose passing left an irreplaceable void in his heart.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Lois Gasiewski; his brother-in-law, Bo b Tabor; his nephew, Norman Gasiewski, who was raised alongside Zig and shared a bond that went far beyond that of uncle and nephew â€" Norman was in every sense of the word a brother to him. He also leaves behind a wonderful and loving circle of nieces and nephews, especially Denise Gasiewski, Christina Tabor and Stephen Tabor who were close to his heart and who loved their Uncle Zig dearly, and who will carry his memory with them always. Along with his family, Zig also leaves behind a wealth of dear and cherished friends whose lives were made richer simply by having known him and whose loss of their beloved friend will be deeply and sincerely felt.
Sigismund "Zig" Gasiewski lived a life of honor, hard work, and deep love. From his proud service in the United States Marine Corps to the quiet dignity of his everyday life, he was a man of true character and genuine heart. He will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those he loved so well.
A Marine, a craftsman, a fisherman, a car lover-but above all, a family man.
Semper Fidelis, Zig. Your watch is complete. Rest easy.
