Lansing, MI –?Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, December 6 to honor and remember former state Representative Stanley Stopczynski. The flag lowering will coincide with the day the Michigan House of Representatives plans to pass a memorial resolution in his honor.

“State Representative Stanley Stopczynski was a thoughtful public servant and leader,” said Governor Whitmer. “He was committed to his constituents in Wayne County for seven terms in the Michigan Legislature, where he did the people’s work on infrastructure, economic development, energy, and so much more. He also served our nation in uniform, had a successful career in finance, and was a loving dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather. My thoughts are with Rep. Stopczynski’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.”?? 

Stopczynski’s career in public service began in the United States Army and Calvary from June 1957 to May 1959, spending fifteen months of that time doing training maneuvers in Germany. After attending the American Institute of Banking, he built his banking career at the City Bank of Detroit before being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1978. There he represented the 11th and 19th Districts and the people of Michigan for fourteen years. He served as the Majority Floor Whip; chaired the Liquor Control Committee; was the vice-chair for the committees on Corrections and Public Utilities; and was a member of the committees on Public Health, Roads and Bridges, Economic Development and Energy, Social Services and Youth, Transportation, and Corporations and Finance.  

Following retirement from the Michigan Legislature in 1993, Stopczynski enjoyed his hobbies including fishing, golfing, playing cards, and spending time with his family. He is survived by his two children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, and over twenty nieces and nephews.  

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Representative Stanley Stopczynski by lowering flags to half-staff. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.???? 

Flags should be returned to full staff on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.