Everyone who knew Michael will agree that he was a truly cordial and generous spirit full of life and laughter. He lived his life with love for others, a passion for adventure and fun, and a great sense of humor. He was always happy to host an impromptu social gathering or BBQ at his house. He was the life of the party; Michael played the accordion and sang with a joyful heart for all the hear.

Michael was also a deeply religious person always participating in the Church's Holidays and also practicing our Christian teachings by helping the less fortunate. During the difficult times when Poland was undergoing political, social, and economic transformation, hundreds of people found employment on Michael's projects even when their qualifications were sub-par. Michael was always generous, offering financial support to those in need, regardless of their relationship or circumstances. The experience of witnessing similar upheavals during the family's escape from eastern Poland after the Russian takeover of those lands led to his numerous acts of selfless kindness and compassion that lasted the duration of his life.

Michael's parents, Antonina Anna Maria Protas-Popławski and Anthony Popławski instilled a strong and ethical spirit in him based on the family's thousand (1,000) year history of fighting Poland's invaders.  From knights in olden times to rebellions against the Russian Tsars and as forest partisans in WW II, he heard the difficult family stories about wars, Siberian exile, destruction, death, and land/property confiscations. After the family's emigration to the United States, and probably based on all the stories he heard, Michael learned what is truly important in life and how to enjoy our time on earth.

Michael is now reunited in heaven with his parents, two sisters, one brother, and his daughter Eva Maria. He is survived by his daughter, Delilah Edwards (Mark); grandchildren Anthony, Michael, and Isabella, his three brothers, plus numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives scattered around the world.

May he rest in Peace with God in eternal joy!

Memorial Visitation Friday, April 29 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Funeral Prayers 11:30 a.m. at Lawrence Funeral Home, 4800 N. Austin Ave., Chicago to St. Constance Church for Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 12 p.m. Interment to follow at Maryhill Cemetery.