Walter "Zie" Gibala

Walter “Zie” Gibala, age 89, of Erie, MI, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 13, 1936 in Raciecowice, Poland to Walter and Stella Gibala. While living in Poland he was a member of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church in Raciechowice and employed as a machine repairman for Tadeusz Sendzimer Steelworks in Nova Huta. Walter moved to the US and worked at the Ford Motor Co. Woodhaven Stamping Plant in Woodhaven MI for 30 years, retiring from there in 1995. He also worked at the Chrysler Engine Plant in Trenton, MI. Proud of his Polish heritage, he performed as a member of the “Echoes of Poland” in Toledo with his wife Teresa for over 20 years. Walter also volunteered and was a very active member of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America for over 20 years. He was a 50 + year parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie, MI.

Walter is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Teresa (Weiss) Gibala; daughters, Rosemary Josey and Sophia (Douglas) Maitland; grandchildren, Sienna Maitland, Dylan Josey, Alyssa “Minnie” Josey, and Alexander “Caveman” Maitland; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 11 from 2-8 p.m. at Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd. with a rosary at 6 p.m.  The Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, March 12 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Erie, MI preceded by visitation at the church from 10-11 a.m.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph Church Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to the Echoes of Poland Folk Song & Dance Ensemble, or PRCUA. Condolences can be shared at www.sujkowski.com.