Reverend Father Marian John Lesniak

Reverend Father Marian John Lesniak

Rev. Marian John Lesniak was born in Mielec, Poland on July 27, 1926.  He arrived in the U.S. with his parents and brother Mence on May 28, 1928 on Ellis Island, N.Y.   For a few months the family lived on a farm in Conn.  with an Aunt, his father's sister, and her family.   In the fall the Lesniak family moved to Flint where his father worked at DuPont Chemical.  Father Marian attended All Saints school from grade one to grade twelve, and graduated in 1943.

In September 1943 he began his studies at St. Mary's College, Orchard Lake, Michigan and continued his preparation for the Priesthood with Philosophy courses at Saint Cyril & Methodius Seminary on the same college campus.   He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in May, 1946.

In September 1946 he continued his Seminary training with studies in Theology and Sacred Scripture at Mt. St. Mary Seminary in Norwood (Cincinnati) Ohio.He was ordained Deacon in Nov.1949 and ordained a Priest for the Diocese of Lansing by the Most Rev. Bishop Joseph H. Albers on May 20, 1950.  His first assignment was in his home Parish, All Saints, as one of the Associates where he served for five years.  In July, 1955 he was assigned to serve the People of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Jackson as an Associate.

On July 20, 1963 Father Marian was appointed Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Jackson where he served the People for 39 years until October 2, 2002 when he "retired" and assumed Senior Priest Status.  He took up residency in the family home in Flushing (Flint), Michigan.

He celebrated Sunday Mass regularly in All Saints Church, and in other area churches, when called to substitute, and  assisted in administering the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Anointing of the sick.  He also celebrated the Eucharist for area Home Schooled Students several times a week at the St. Joseph Sisters' Convent.

In 2007 failing health forced Father Marian to curtail his activity.  He continued to celebrate the Eucharist daily at home in his private Chapel offering Mass for the intentions requested: for the living and deceased, for the suffering and dying, for the ailing in body, mind, and soul, and for World Peace.  He was a life-time member of the Knights of Columbus.

Father Marian entered eternal life on Sunday October 9, 2011.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00A.M. at St. Joseph Church in on Friday, October 14, 2011. There will be a Rosary Service just prior to the Mass, at 10:30 AM.  A private burial will take place in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Flint, with a Memorial Marker in St. John's Cemetery, in Jackson.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 with the Rite of Reception of the Body at 1:00 PM.  Visitation will also be held on Thursday at the church from 1:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM with a Vesper Service at 6:00 PM.

Father Marian leaves his family: two sisters, Casimira (William) Yehle of Flint and Anne Lesniak of Flushing; sister-in-law, Lucille Lesniak of Redford; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and one great-great-niece.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Walenty and Waleria Lesniak; brothers, Mence and John; and sisters, Cecilia and Genevieve.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament located at 29575 Middle belt Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334.

Desnoyer Funeral Home--Family owned for 121 years