Lapeer Area View

Max Sierakowski named Knight of the Year by Father Goentges Council 1987 in Lapeer




Max Sierakowski, 65, of Lapeer Township was named the 2018 Knight of the Year by the Fr. Goentges Council 1987. Photos by Jeff Hogan

Max Sierakowski, 65, of Lapeer Township was named the 2018 Knight of the Year by the Fr. Goentges Council 1987. Photos by Jeff Hogan

LAPEER — Max Sierakowski, 65, of Lapeer Township has been a Knights of Columbus member with the Lapeerbased Father Goentges Council 1987 for at least 12 years. Despite more than a dozen surgeries to his neck and back over the years Sierakowski is extremely active with Council 1987.

While he doesn’t volunteer his time and generous heart for recognition, his years of activism within the local Knights of Columbus were celebrated Saturday evening when the retired diesel mechanic was presented the 2018 Knight of the Year Award during the Knight’s annual banquet program held in the Community Room at Bishop Kelley Catholic School in Lapeer.

“I like to help people. I do what I can,” said Sierakowski who maintained a fleet of automobile transport trucks in Flint for 35 years from 1976 to 2011 before he devoted much of his time to causes important to the Knights of Columbus in Lapeer. To say he does “what he can” is understatement, according to fellow Knight members.

Robert and Jim Kowalczyk of Lapeer were named the 2018 Family of the Year.

Robert and Jim Kowalczyk of Lapeer were named the 2018 Family of the Year.

“He’s everywhere. The man does everything. Whenever there is a Knight event he’s usually always helping,” said member Larry Sullivan.

Walking with the support of a cane, Sierakowski was observed hauling two Christmas trees over his shoulder to a customer’s vehicle at Council 1987’s tree lot just east of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church prior to the holiday.

Among Sierakowski’s contributions to Council 1987 and the greater Lapeerarea community, he typically organizes raffle ticket sales campaigns, Tootsie Roll drives, helps at the annual Polish dinner benefit and bakes cookies and cakes for people in the community and for Knights of Columbus members during Christmas tree sales and other events.

Sierakowski has had a lot of practice. He formerly owned and operated Metamora Bakery (current location of Sundance Grille on M-24 in Metamora Township) and is the namesake behind Max’s Bakery in Lapeer that he operated for nearly seven years before he sold the business.

Family of the Year

Also honored for their contribution to the Knights of Columbus Fr. Goentges Council 1987 were Lapeer brothers Robert and Jim Kowalczyk. They were named the 2018 Family of the Year.

Officers with the Council, Robert is an “Inside Guard,” while Jim is an “Outside Guard.”

The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.7 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people. Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church.

Council 1987 was re-established in 1980 and works very close with Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. If you are interested in joining the Lapeer Knights of Columbus, contact Walt Sierakowski at 810-797- 5190 or 810-656-8240.

Council 1987 Officers

Chaplain……………………………. Fr Brian Hurley

District Deputy………………… Walt Sierakowski

Grand Knight………………………… Fred Wurster

Dep Grand Knight…………………….Phil Francis

Chancellor……………………………. Robert Smith

Recorder………………………………. Dan Mausolf

Advocate……………………………. Ron Gotowicki

Warden………………………………….Al Landosky

Financial Secretary…………………. Vince Klusek

Treasurer…………………………………. Larry Milz

Inside Guard……………………… Bob Kowalczyk

Outside Guard……………………..Jim Kowalczyk

1st year Trustee………………….. George Rivard

2nd year Trustee………………. Mitch Olejniczak

3rd year Trustee…………………………. Tim Lintz

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