Thomas Henry Hojnacki's Obituary
Thomas Henry Hojnacki passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, from complications of diabetes and dementia. He will be missed by his family and friends.
He was born on October 12, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan to Henry and Helen Hojnacki (nee Lewek). Thomas grew up in Detroit, Michigan but also spent lots of time in Algonac, Michigan where he enjoyed fishing, boating, playing accordion, and socializing with friends and extended family members.
In 1963, he married Patricia Ann Kolodziej and together they raised three daughters. After retiring from Chrysler, where he worked for over 35 years as a Tool and Die Designer, Pat and Tom moved to their dream home on the water where they enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening, and enjoying life.
Tom was very proud to work at Chrysler and to be part of Local UAW 212. Even after retirement, he stayed involved with the union. He met many friends while working and kept in contact with them after retiring. Tom also liked golfing and bowling and was in different leagues throughout the years. He was also known for the way he would analyze items and figure out how they could be improved. Even dementia couldn’t stop him from looking at a room and coming up with ways that it could be improved visually and structurally.
Thomas is survived by his children, Christine Wisswell (Ronald), Barbara Shaddock (Mark), and Sally Hojnacki; his grandchildren, Amber Hojnacki (Charles), Stephanie Shaddock, and Alaina Wisswell; his grandson-in-law, Charles Rini; his nephew Timmy Peters; his nieces Rachel Vincler (Joe) and Ruth Nalichowski (Adrian); his sister-in-law Judy Hojnacki; his brother-in-law Tim Peters, cousins and friends; and his beloved canine companion Maggie.
Thomas Hojnacki was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Patricia Ann Hojnacki (nee Kolodziej) who passed away August 31, 2025; his parents, Henry Hojnacki and Helen Hojnacki (nee Lewek); his brother, Kenneth Hojnacki, her sister-in-law, Susan Peters (nee Kolodziej); his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Mary Kolodziej (nee Michalik).
Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday December 30th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Algonac. Visitation will be on Monday, December 29th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. As well as 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at church prior to mass on Tuesday. Interment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Algonac.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Thomas Hojnacki’s name to Blue Water Humane Society, 6266 Lapeer Road, Clyde, MI 48049, (810) 987-4357.
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