GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A significant renovation project is currently underway to restore a 112-year-old monument dedicated to a legendary local boxer. The memorial, located at Holy Cross Cemetery on Grand Rapids’ West Side, honors Stanley Ketchel, a famed middleweight champion whose legacy still resonates in the boxing world.
On Tuesday, a construction crew worked diligently at the cemetery, pouring a new concrete base for the graveside monument. This marks a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to preserve the memorial, which has experienced deterioration over the years.
The Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids (PHS) has been at the forefront of the restoration project, taking on the responsibility of raising funds and organizing the necessary construction. According to Matthew Gryczan, a member of the PHS Board of Directors, the need for repairs was first noticed during the organization’s restoration of another monument at the cemetery in 2023.
“While working on another project, we observed the condition of the Ketchel memorial and realized it was in need of attention,” Gryczan explained. “We felt it was essential to ensure that the memory of such an important figure in Grand Rapids’ history was preserved for future generations.”
Ketchel, known as the “Michigan Assassin,” was a boxing legend in the early 1900s, famous for his strength and fierce determination in the ring. His untimely death at the age of 24 only added to his mystique, making him a celebrated figure in both local and national boxing history.
The PHS’s efforts come at a time when many historical landmarks are facing the threat of neglect or decay. By taking action to restore Ketchel’s memorial, the society is not only preserving a piece of local history but also honoring the legacy of an iconic figure whose impact on the sport continues to be felt today.
The project, which involves a number of repairs to the memorial, is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Community members and boxing enthusiasts alike are anticipated to welcome the revitalized tribute to one of Grand Rapids’ most cherished figures.
