Donald A. Lawniczak, age 94, loving husband of Elisabeth Däumer, passed away peacefully at his home in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on December 27, 2022.

Don is also survived by seven children: James (Claudia Cole), Judith (Daniel Adams), Jeffrey (Kim Shoup), Jay (Diane Lawniczak), Jonathan (Virginia Van Horne), Stephen (Mollie Lawniczak), and Marcus; seventeen grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Don was born on February 26, 1928, the son of Stephen and Lillian (Piojda) Lawniczak, and enjoyed a long and successful career as a Professor of English Literature, earning his PhD at Kent State University in 1967 and teaching for thirty years at Eastern Michigan University. He embraced a lifelong love of reading, studying and teaching Shakespeare, Milton, Herbert, and Donne, among many others. He was a passionate pianist who found much consolation and joy in music, especially that of Chopin, Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Don practiced daily and challenged himself on his baby grand, whether by playing classical, jazz, or the popular music ensemble of the 30's and 40's. Captivated by art, history, and current events, Don enjoyed sharing his wide knowledge with his family, students, and friends. Anyone who spent time with him came away a bit wiser.

Don will be honored with a Celebration of Life at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 120 N. Huron, Ypsilanti, Michigan on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Michigan-Trinity Health at Home-Southeast Michigan .