Our knowledgeable staff are passionate about providing families guidance and support during the funeral planning process and well after the funeral. Together, we can honor your loved one’s life while beginning your grief journey.
John resides in Grosse Ile with his wife, Jeanne. They also have three children, John (Kristine), Robert (Lindsey), and Connie (Matthew) and are proud grandparents of Jack, Ryan, Robert, Maxwell, Madison, Matthew, and Maren. After graduating from Riverview’s Gabriel Richard High School, John attended Wayne State University, obtaining a degree in Mortuary Science. While attending Wayne State, he was a member of their rowing crew. John has over 36 years of experience in funeral service. Along with his partner, Chris Poirier he currently owns and operates Czopek Funeral Home in Wyandotte; Kernan Funeral Service in Lincoln Park; Heritage Funeral Home in Southgate; and Crane Funeral Home., in Romulus. John is a member of the Robert Jones Council Knights of Columbus and past member of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Park D.D.A. and the Exchange Club. For relaxation, John enjoys boating locally as well as hunting, fishing and golfing at his cottage in Irish Hills.
Chris lives in Southgate with his wife, Sue. Chris and Sue have a son, Christopher and they also have two daughters, Kristin (Greg) Grant and Jennifer (Micah Swain) and are proud grandparents of Presley, Megan, Adam and Easton. Chris is a graduate of the St. Lawrence Seminary and a Wayne State University Graduate with a degree in Mortuary Science. Chris has over 36 years of experience in the funeral industry. Chris purchased Czopek Funeral Home along with his father, Jim in 1984. He currently owns and operates Czopek Funeral Directors, Kernan Funeral Service, Heritage Funeral Home and Crane Funeral Home with his business partner, John Kernan. Chris is an active member of the Wyandotte Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Wyandotte Boat Club, Fraternal Order of Police, as well an active Chairman of the City of Southgate Police and Fire Commission. He also is a former Public Safety Commissioner for the City of Southgate for 6 years. In his spare time, Chris enjoys hosting family and friends at his cottage in northern Michigan as well as sailing, fishing, and relaxing.
For over 40 years Jeanne along side her husband John, have had the privilege of serving the families of the downriver community.
Jeanne has worked for the Grosse Ile School system for 22 years. After her retirement in 2020 she has been focusing on the daily operations at the funeral home. Together they have 3 children, John (Kristine), Robert (Lindsey), Connie (Matt) and are blessed with 7 grandchildren.
Justin began serving in the funeral service profession in 2010. He completed his practicum in 2016 at Bacarella Funeral Home and served his 24-month resident training at Czopek Funeral Directors. He is a graduate of Monroe High School. Justin graduated magna cum laude with an associate of science degree from Monroe County Community College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science from Wayne State University, Detroit, where he also graduated magna cum laude. Justin was also the class vice-president. He received his Michigan license to practice mortuary science in August, 2016, and his Ohio Funeral Director and Embalmer licenses in May, 2017. Justin has earned the professional designation, Certified Funeral Service Practitioner, by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and Certified Crematory Operator by National Funeral Directors Association. He has extensive training in advanced postmortem reconstruction from the Fountain National Academy in Springfield, Mo., under the direction of Vernie Fountain, reconstruction specialist. Miller was born in Toledo and is a lifelong resident of Monroe County. Justin and his wife, Katelyn, reside in Dundee and have two sons, Austin and Brock. He enjoys working on their small farm and spending time in the stands at his sons athletic events.
Alayna grew up in Monroe, Michigan, currently she resides in Detroit, MI. After graduating from Monroe High School in 2015, Alayna received her bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University in 2020. After graduation, she completed her Resident Training at Bacarella Funeral Home, Monroe, in December of 2020. Alayna passed her Michigan State Board exam in December of 2020 becoming a Michigan Mortuary Science Licensee. Alayna also earned her Certified Crematory Operator designation while attending Wayne State. She is a member of Lions Clubs International. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. Alayna is honored to care for families in one of their most difficult time of need. Providing every family with exceptional care and treating them as though they were her own is significant to her.
Originally from Jackson, Michigan, Holden began his funeral service journey in 2013 working for the Anderson Funeral Home out of Adrian, Michigan. After graduating from Northwest High School, Holden left for the state of North Dakota on a football scholarship at the University of Jamestown. Aside from the football team, Holden also joined the university choir and theatre program. After two years, Holden transferred to the University of North Dakota and graduated with a bachelor’s in social sciences two years later. In 2019, Holden moved back to Michigan to study Mortuary Science at Wayne State University. In the early spring of 2020, Holden began his apprenticeship at the Chas. Verheyden Funeral Home, Grosse Pointe, and received his license upon completion. Holden then left the Detroit area to work for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Niles, Michigan. After only a year of working in Niles, Holden’s family went through the tragic loss of his little brother, Noah. Looking to move closer to his family, Holden found Czopek Funeral Directors in November of 2022. Holden brings ten years of funeral service experience and looks forward to serving families the best way he knows how, as if they were family of his own.
Adelle grew up in Ecorse and resides in Wyandotte with her husband Robert and dog Tyson. They also have two children Gabriele Horton and Robert (Jessegrace) Horton. She graduated from Ecorse High School in 1992. Adelle has been with Kernan Funeral Service for 18 years. She is very active at her lifetime church, St. Andre Bessette where she Is the youth minister and a member of the church choir. She enjoys book club, spending time at her cabin Up North, shopping, Loves music, and the beach.
Amy lives in Romulus with her son, Joelson. Amy was raised in the Downriver area, originally from Woodhaven, and graduated from Woodhaven High School in 2007. In addition to her love for administrative work and helping families, she is also a yoga teacher and practitioner, completing her 200 hr RYT in 2018. Amy is an avid nature lover, and when she isn't enjoying a stroll through Crosswinds Marsh, she can usually be found road tripping, camping, kayaking, or shooting archery, as well as leisure activities such as embroidery, reading, and other handmade crafts.
Betty was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan and graduated from Roosevelt High School. Before coming to Czopek, Betty worked for 11 years at Rupp Funeral Home in Monroe, Michigan. Betty resides in Romulus, Michigan with her husband Jim and their dog Jackson. Betty has two children, Hailey (Nick) Mitchell and Ryan (Mercedes) Robertson. She also has two bonus daughters, Breanna and Hailey. Betty and Jim are very active in charity events with their motorcycle and are starting a Moosehearts Chapter at the Wayne/Westland Moose Club. In their free time they love to travel on their Harley, camping and boating.
Sue was born and raised in Ecorse and graduated from Ecorse High School. She has three adult children and 9 grandchildren. Sue attended Davenport University, where she majored in accounting. She worked for JPMorgan Chase for 28 years as a stockbroker and implementation specialist before coming to Czopek Funeral Directors. Sue is compassionate and understanding, she is always there to help those in need. Sue is also an active member of the altar society at St. Andre Bessette (formerly St. Frances Xavier). She was secretary for ten years at Ecorse Eagles 2812 Auxiliary. Her favorite thing to do is cook, bake, and spend time with family and friends.
Jackie was born and raised in Wyandotte. She attended Eastern Michigan University, where she got her Michigan teaching certificate. She is an Early Childhood Special Education teacher full time and works for our funeral homes part time. She lives in Ida with her two teen children. Jackie is a compassionate person who finds comfort in taking care of people, both big and little. Her life is busy but she enjoys every moment. When Jackie isn't at work, you can find her cheering on her children at their sporting events, spending time with friends and family, reading, or traveling.
Tina was raised in Eastern Kentucky on Mill Creek Farm, her family's horse farm, which is still owned and operated by her father today. Tina graduated from Plymouth Canton High School, then went on to earn an Associate degree in Liberal Arts and a second degree in Education. She and her husband Mark, have two teenagers together, Madison and Mason and they have resided in Van Buren Township for over 25 years. In her free time, Tina enjoys cooking, canning, reading, gardening, loves animals and spending time with her family.
Sue currently resides in Wyandotte with her husband, Dave. She has two grown Children, daughter Sarah (Joe) and son Daniel. Proud Grandparents of Giuseppe. Sue worked 42 years in the Banking Industry. After retirement she wanted to do something to help others. Sue came to Czopek Funeral Directors to help families cope during this difficult time. Sometimes it just takes that friendly little smile and a few comforting words to make families feel better. Sue enjoys spending time with her grandson. She loves boating in the summer, U of M tailgating and football games in the fall. Sue is an active volunteer in the Jr. League World Series held in August in Taylor, MI.
Dianna grew up in Ecorse and spent most her life downriver. She has 3 adult children, 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. In 2009 her husband retired, they moved to Alabama where they enjoyed a warmer climate and hours on the beach. After losing her husband to cancer she moved back to Michigan to be near family and friends. She is happy to be able to help families when they need it most. In her free time she enjoys cooking, baking, hunting for thrift store bargains and spending time with family and friends.
Eleni was born on the Island of Crete in Greece. She immigrated to the United States in 1969 and settled in the Downriver area. Eleni now resides in Wyandotte with her daughter and grandson. Eleni is mother of three amazing daughters and a grandmother to six cherished grandchildren. She enjoys crocheting and baking in her free time. Eleni is a very compassionate and fierce friend, she makes consoling families in need her priority.
Gayle was born and raised in Romulus, still living in the city today. She has one son, Ben, and enjoys spending time with her numerous friends, many who are former Romulus High School classmates. She loves interacting with and helping the families and visitors the funeral home serves, hoping she brings a comforting presence to them. Gayle came to work for Crane Funeral Home after she retired from the City of Romulus. She is an active member of St. Aloysius Church, the Western Wayne County Quilt Guild and the Romulus Cemetery Committee and enjoys her volunteer work with these groups as well as gardening her personal flowerbeds and those she plants and tends for others.
Robin grew up in Wyandotte and graduated in 1981 from Roosevelt High School. She is the proud mother of Carol Chandler. Before coming to Czopek Funeral Directors in 2016, Robin worked as a MIG welder. She is proud to have been able to work on the Mustang “Bullitt”, a remake from the 1968 movie with Steve McQueen. Robin loves nature walks, ceramics, and helping with fundraising for various animal rescues.
MaryAnn was born and raised in Romulus, graduated from Romulus High School, was a member of the National Honor Society and received the “Outstanding Student in Business" award. Deciding to further her education, MaryAnn attended several medical terminology classes and also bookkeeping courses. She lives extremely close to Crane Funeral Home, just a “stone’s throw“ and she loves helping family members cope with the loss of a loved one, believing many times, a kind word or even a hug can help make a difference with their grief. Working part time at Crane Funeral Home for over 13 years, MaryAnn was grateful that she remained employed when Chris Poirier and John Kernan purchased the funeral home and often jokes that "she came wit the building." MaryAnn has been a life-long member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Boston and for 13 years she has also been a member of Romulus Chamber of Commerce. Volunteering at many Chamber events along with fundraising events for Romulus Rotary, City of Romulus and the 34th District Court where MaryAnn has been Deputy Clerk for almost 30 years, are some ways she gives back to her community. Gardening, yard work, sewing and mending are a few ways she spends her free time. MaryAnn also enjoys going to the movies, going to Motor City Casino and her many close friendships she has made. Her family consists of her two adult children and four grandchildren.
