Ted Ponik
Ted Ponik, 96, passed away May 4, 2026, on his wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Mary Ann, marking 69 incredible years of marriage. And in true Ted fashion, on a bright, sunny morning-his favorite time of day-Ted peacefully transitioned, with his favorite polka song playing in the background – fitting for a man who brought light, warmth and energy into every room he entered.
Born in Bobtown, Pennsylvania, to Stanley and Anna Ponikiewski, Ted was raised on strong values, faith and a deep-rooted work ethic. From the very beginning, he was focused on helping others as a way of life-never making a big deal about it, just doing what needed to be done with a full heart and steady presence. In the 1940s, his family moved to Detroit, where he graduated from Chadsey High School. A natural athlete, Ted followed his love of baseball into the minor leagues, playing two seasons in the Baltimore Orioles farm system being called up to the St. Louis Browns for a few weeks, too-just one of many chapters in a life well lived. Ted proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. When he returned home, his commitment to service didn’t skip a beat.
He joined the Detroit Police Department, rising to the rank of sergeant, where he became known not just for his leadership, but for his easy-going presence and quick wit. After retiring, he continued serving others in security at Providence Hospital- because for Ted, “retirement” simply meant finding a new way to be useful (and be with people). Later in life, Ted and Mary Ann moved to a small town where he fully embraced the joys of a slower pace-fishing, hunting, and his legendary “coffee club,” where stories were told, jokes were shared, and laughter was guaranteed. Around town, he earned the nickname “the kindergarten cop,” keeping a watchful eye on local school children in the parking lot. It wasn’t a job he applied for-but his community asked him – and it was simply who he was. Ted was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion, staying connected to the communities and causes he cared about most. If you knew Ted, you knew his smile. He was full of life, always ready with a joke, and carried a positive outlook that was both contagious and comforting. His humor was quick, his presence steady, and his ability to leave people better than he found them was unmatched. You rarely walked away from Ted without a smile-and often, a story you’d tell again later. He was lucky, too, often winning the 50/50 raffles. Ted’s legacy isn’t just in what he did-it’s in how he lived: with service, humor, faith, positivity and a deep love for people. His impact will continue to ripple through the many lives he touched.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann; his children, Paul (Doris) Ponik, Linda (Joe) Ciarkowski and Lisa (Mick) Mininni; his grandchildren, Sarah (Dean) Garbarz, Matt (Amanda) Ponik, Lindsay Ponik (Mickey), Charlie (Kirsten) Ciarkowski and Rachel (Seth) Duncan; and his seven great-grandchildren, Grace, Grant, Brooklyn, Henry, Amelia, Sophia and Russell; along with nieces, nephews and countless family members and friends who were lucky enough to know him. Ted was preceded in death by his siblings Stanley, Joseph, Walter and Anna.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Casimir Cath
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 199 Long Rapids Road, Alpena, MI 49707-1351.
And if you want to honor Ted – play a little polka, share a good laugh, lend a hand to someone who needs it-and don’t forget to smile.
Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.
