Pulaski, Michael J.

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on September 26 and passed away peacefully in his sleep September 29, 2023, at the age of 81.

Mike was born October 9, 1941, to Catherine Pulaski (Kunkler) and Michael J. Pulaski in St. Louis. He had fond memories of going to the horse track with his dad as a kid, and could recall the exact day he needed glasses when he had trouble reading the finishing board.

His first job was an usher at Sportman’s Park in the early 1950s for the Browns and Cardinals. He remained a life-long Cardinals fan, listening to Jack Buck call games on the radio, then watching them on T.V.

As a teen he worked at Stix, alongside his father. One day his dad came back from a break to tell him about the “cute new sales girl” downstairs. Her name was Judy Muenstermann. An introduction was made, and they began dating. Mike was invited to Judy’s parent’s, and enjoyed a delicious fried chicken dinner. He was impressed by Judy’s cooking, but discovered shortly after marriage that it was, in fact, her mom Myrtle that prepared that meal and gave Judy credit. (Judy would eventually learn to cook chicken and many other delicious meals throughout their marriage.)

After graduating Laboure high school in 1959, he joined the U.S. Navy. He learned the trade of an electrician and lived in a submarine for several years traveling the world. He was honorably discharged in October 1962. Judy waited patiently for him and they married after his return on May 9, 1963.

He began his career at the “phone company” and worked at Southwestern Bell until he retired in 1997. He earned a management degree from St. Louis University during that time. After his retirement, he and Judy traveled the country together for many wonderful years.

Mike and Judy’s family was lovingly and patiently created through Catholic Charities adoption, and they welcomed Jon, Jim, Joe, and Jackie. He imparted countless lessons on his kids over the years by demonstrating honesty, hard work, loyalty, the importance of family, and striving for your best. He insisted that if you never told a lie you’d never have to remember what you said. That you’d go to hell for lying just like stealing or anything else. That if you howl with the owls at night you have to soar with the eagles during the day. More words of wisdom were passed down that probably aren’t suitable for print.

He loved Judy more than anything, and she was his best friend for their 60 years of marriage. If he thought you’d wronged her in any way, you were on his bad side. He was stubborn, loyal, sarcastic, and funny. When his health declined in his last few years, Judy fulfilled her vow of better or worse with the patience and love of a Saint.

Mike was a devoted Catholic and parishioner at St. Mark’s (and Most Precious Blood before that), though he was partial to the early morning, “in-and-out” services. He was meticulous and efficient, and appreciated those qualities in all aspects of life.

His quick wit, sense of humor, and love of all things cowboy and western will be greatly missed by his family, including his 4 kids, 9 grandkids, and 2 great grandkids (with 2 more on the way.) The arrival of each grandkid softened his heart over time, and it was a true joy to see. Even if he still wore his Grinch shirt every Christmas.

Mike disliked formality and stuffiness and made Judy promise that he’d be buried in a polo shirt – not a suit. He’ll be snickering in heaven if you show up to services in a suit and tie. Please dress comfortably.

Services: Visitation is Wednesday, October 4, from 4-7pm at Kutis Funeral Home (5255 Lemay Ferry, 63129), with a prayer service at 6pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10am Thursday at St. Marks Catholic Church (4200 Ripa Rd, 63125), followed by his burial at Jefferson Barracks. Memorial donations can be made in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Association (link – https://www.alz.org/greatermissouri?form=alz_donate).