Arthur J. Kobierzynski

Arthur J. Kobierzynski, age 95, longtime resident of Northville, passed away on May 28, 2025. He was born on October 6, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan; son of August and Theophila (Lewandowski) Kobierzynski. He graduated from Saint Casimir High School in Detroit with the class of 1947. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War era. Arthur was united in marriage to Eleanor (Klein) Kobierzynski on August 22, 1953; they spent 70 years lovingly devoted to one another until her death on January 9, 2024.

While working at the Ford Rouge Plant, attending school, and newly married, Arthur took a bold leap of faith into the restaurant and hospitality industry by purchasing his first establishment, the Livernois Inn in Detroit. He and his wife lived in the upstairs apartment, raising their growing family while working side by side to build the business. Their success at the Livernois Inn led them to purchase and renovate the Thunderbird Inn in Plymouth, transforming it into a well-known restaurant, banquet facility, and dinner club. Arthur was incredibly hardworking and hands-on, always ready to step into any role, whether it was cooking in the kitchen or greeting guests at the door. After the Thunderbird Inn closed, he joined Duffy’s, a small chain of restaurants, and later entered a partnership that led to the development of the Grand Traverse Hilton. His ventures in northern Michigan also included part ownership of Bar Harbor, a popular local spot in Harbor Springs. Arthur officially retired in 2010, but his deep knowledge and passion for the hospitality industry lived on through his work as a consultant, where he continued to mentor others and share the wisdom earned through decades of experience.

Arthur was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, as well as a member of AMVETS. Deeply committed to giving back, he was a founding member of Hearts of Livonia, a charitable organization that raised funds to provide life-saving equipment for St. Mary Hospital. Arthur had a natural gift for connecting with people and a genuine passion for helping those in need.

He treasured his high school friendships and remained closely connected to his classmates, organizing monthly gatherings and taking an active role in planning and hosting reunions. Family meant everything to Arthur, and through the internet, he was delighted to discover and connect with over 800 cousins in Saskatchewan he hadn’t previously known. Arthur loved to travel, often to visit family, and found joy in planning meals and holiday celebrations. He took great pleasure in orchestrating “food safaris,” sending loved ones on quests to find the perfect ingredients for his carefully planned menus. Each journey was thoughtfully mapped out, complete with stops at specific stores and always concluded with a meal at one of his favorite restaurants.

He enjoyed quiet moments with a good book, but just as much, he loved laughter, entertaining, and the company of others. A loyal sports fan, he rooted for the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers. Arthur was also an avid gardener who took great pride in his yard, filling it with a vibrant abundance of flowers and trees, especially daffodils and iris, under his “more is better” philosophy. Arthur had a deep affection for dogs and shared his life with many over the years, though his beloved Dalmatian, Sparky, held a special place in his heart. Above all, Arthur was devoted to his wife and was a loving father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Arthur is survived by his loving daughters, Teri (Walter) Jachimowicz and Stacey (Robert) Foster; his daughter-in-law, Carla Kobierzynski; his grandchildren, Casimira Jachimowicz, Anna (Bubba Avendt) Jachimowicz, Geoffrey (Kim) Foster, and Claire Jachimowicz; his great grandchildren, Riley Kruse and Emilia Foster; and his sister-in-law, Yolanda Anderson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor; his son, Jeffrey Kobierzynski; his parents; and his sisters, Dorothy Grzywacz and Eleanor VanMuldeghan.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with a time of gathering beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville. Mr. Kobierzynski will be laid to rest with his wife at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

Memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Felician Sisters, c/o Sister Joyce, 36800 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia, MI 48150 or to the Northville Township Firefighters Charity Fund, for the heroes who assisted both Arthur and Eleanor so ably over the years. Donations can be made online at ntffcharityfund.com/donations.