George Jan Ponka Obituary
George Jan Ponka, of St. Joseph, MI, born in Detroit on January 28, 1951, died on November 4, 2026 at Hanson Hospice Center. Though he recovered from many serious medical moments in his lifetime, after taking a recent fall on the basement steps, he suffered a brain injury that was too much to recover from. He was taking his last breaths as the Jeopardy theme song played in the background, indicating time was up. George’s heart stopped beating at 8:01 pm surrounded by loved ones.
He was born and raised in Detroit. His parents were Dr. Joseph & Mrs. Claire Ponka. He has two sisters, Sue Ditsky and Carol Fritz, and one brother Joseph Ponka, Jr. He attended Catholic school, where he served as an altar boy even though his humorous antics occasionally got him into trouble with the nuns. He attended Assumption College School in Windsor, Ontario for his high school years, and eventually graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit.
He married Marilyn (Missy) Rittmueller on August 4, 1973. They lived in St. Clair Shores and Fraser in Macomb County, Michigan. Their children, Becky, Steve, and Joey, had a rich childhood filled with dance, sports, travel, and more. They grew into awesome adults due to George & Missy’s collective generosity, love, and support.
After working in the operating room at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, he completed training at the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology which kicked off his four decade long career as an ophthalmic technologist. He worked the vast majority of those years downtown at Henry Ford on K10, where he brought humor, kindness, and expertise to many colleagues and countless patients.
After retiring, George & Missy moved to St. Joseph to be closer to family. George enjoyed music, especially Motown. He also enjoyed his birdfeeders and observing the birds’ comings and goings. Tending to his yard and vegetable garden also brought him joy. He was a devoted Lions fan, even when they were losing, because he remembered when they were good in the 1950s and 1960s. He also was a Tigers and Red Wings fan, as well as a University of Michigan football fan. In fact, he and Missy had their first date at The Big House. Go Blue!
George is survived by his wife Missy, children Becky (Burke) Ponka-Lokey, Steve Ponka, and Joe (Christine) Ponka; his beloved grandchildren Ryan and Evan Lokey and Caleb and Emily Ponka, and his sisters. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother.
He’ll be greatly missed by his family and friends, especially for his humor and gentle caring.
Service will be held on Tuesday, November 10 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, MI with viewing beginning at 10:00. Food and fellowship to follow. Please join us.
Burial will take place the following day at Acacia Park in Chicago, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or Corewell Health Hanson Hospice Center would be appreciated.
Arrangements by Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Please feel free to sign George’s online guestbook at www.starks-menchinger.com.
