Obituary of John David Guzik

John David Guzik was born on May 4, 1966, in Dearborn, Michigan.  He graduated from Edsel Ford High School with the Class of 1984, and then continued his education at Henry Ford Community College earning an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.

While employed at the Wayne County Department of Corrections, John attended the police academy. Upon graduation, he took a position with the City of Monroe Police Department which he held for two years. John was then employed by the Dearborn Police Department where he worked in the Patrol Division, Narcotics Division, and the Detective Bureau. John was also a member of the Down River Mutual Aide Dive Team.  Highly respected among his peers, he earned the nicknames “Boss man” and “Old Salt” during his time at Dearborn PD. After thirty years of service, John retired from law enforcement in 2014. Not one to stay idle, he took off only two days before he began working for AAA as a Fraud Investigator.

Already blessed with a son and two daughters, John was graced again when he met the fellow police officer, Cyndi Ann Maxwell. After nearly two decades together, the couple confirmed their marriage vows amid the tropical beauty of Montego Bay, Jamaica on February 12, 2019. The Guzik’s held a mutual appreciation for nature. Together, they purchased a twenty-acre lot in quiet Mancelona, Michigan where John often cut through the silence on his dirt bike. He enjoyed fishing and hunting deer and other small game. John was especially proud of a seven-point buck he managed to harvest shortly after experiencing a myriad of challenges. John was also thrilled to have taken down a large black bear in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in 1992. So much so that he had a portrait of the howling bear tattooed on his arm.

A sports fan, John cheered on the Detroit Lions and Red Wings. Although he attended live games at both the former Lions stadium, Pontiac Silverdome, and their new home, Ford Field, along with hundreds of Red Wings hockey games at Joe Louis Arena, John much preferred to kick back at home and take in the game on his 77” television. A movie buff as well, he also enjoyed watching his favorite sci-fi flicks including “Harry Potter”, “Star Wars”, and “Dune” approximately one million times, or so it seemed to his family! Apart from his love of sports and science fiction, John always kept himself busy. He trained as a body builder, utilizing the police department’s gym. John also trained as a rescue diver. He once took a memorable dive in Hawaii where he bravely filmed sharks on his Go-Pro camera without the protection of a cage. John was always sociable but reserved and relaxed in any situation. He became even more laid back and personable after his retirement from the police force when he finally felt free enough to let his guard down and proudly become a “Rock Hound.”

John David Guzik, age 57, of Monroe, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday; December 24, 2023. His passing was preceded by his father: John Vincent Guzik; his mother: Jean Troup; and his father in-law: Sperry Maxwell.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife: Cyndi Maxwell-Guzik; three children: Bryan (Aly) Guzik of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sarah Guzik of Gibraltar, Michigan, and Emma Guzik of Wyandotte, Michigan; a step-daughter: Emily Vasileff; a step-son: CJ Vasileff; six grandchildren: Madison, Elijah, Bowen, Aunna-Mae, Sadie and Baby Boy Guzik expected in January; a brother: Scott Douglas Guzik of Southgate, Michigan; a niece Amanda Guzik; a billeted son, Keoni McGee;  his mother in-law: Nancy Cronick; his brother in-law: Troy (Sophia) Maxwell; his sister-in-law: Kathleen; and a beloved canine companion: “Jack Dasher”, a one and a half year old Weimaraner who meant the world to John.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Thursday; January 4, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of John’s Life will begin at 6:00pm also at Merkle’s. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation, of Erie, Michigan.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com. The Celebration of John's Life will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552483347679&mibextid=ZbWKwL