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In Memory

Jurgen Switalski - Class Of 1966 VIEW PROFILE

Jurgen Switalski

Jurgen Dietmar Switalski 

Jurgen D. Switalski, 74, of Northville, Michigan, died at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving wife and children.

He was born in Karlsruhe, Germany, to Ruth Keller and Heinrich Hoferlin. He moved to the United States in 1953 and was adopted by Donald E. Switalski.  His parents, Donald and Ruth Switalski, preceded him in death. Dr. Switalski is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Kathleen. Dr. Switalski is also survived by a son, Ian Switalski of Brighton, Michigan, his wife, Amy, and their three children, Owen, Sawyer, and Brooklyn. He is also survived by a daughter, Natasha Moran, of Romeo, Michigan, her husband, Brian, and their four daughters, Kate, Alle, Isabella, and Abigail.

Dr. Switalski is also survived by a brother, Donald E. Switalski (Mary) of Indianapolis, Indiana; a sister, Gloria Switalski Piekarski ( Victor), of New Durham, New Hampshire; two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Kobb of South Bend, Indiana, and Thomas Kobb of State College, Pennsylvania; six nieces and one nephew.

Dr. Switalski graduated from Indiana University in South Bend in 1970 with a BS Degree in Chemistry. He earned a Doctorate in Theoretical Chemistry from the University of Notre Dame in 1975 followed by a post-doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  

After working in medical research, Jurgen and his family moved to Northville, Michigan, in 1979 and began working at the Michigan State Police Forensic Laboratories. He retired as the director in 2014. Jurgen also taught Chemistry at Schoolcraft College for many years. He loved teaching. Jurgen was an avid cook, woodworker, computer expert, and photographer, developing his own pictures. It was his honor to be part of the Mill Race Stone Gang in Northville.

Jurgen will be deeply missed by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.  

His family will receive visitors on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at the L.J. Griffin Funeral Home, Northrop-Sassaman Chapel, 19091 Northville Road (at Seven Mile) from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Jurgen will lie instate at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Dr. (W. of Center St.) until the time of his funeral service at 11:30 a.m.

His final resting place will be Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka, Indiana.

Memorials may be made to the Mill Race Historical Society in Northville, Michigan.

Please share your condolences or a special memory with the family on the Guestbook Page.

DWR ('63) - 3/6/2023   03/07/2023 JFC



Click here to see Jurgen's last Profile entry.