Michael Shlapack Jr.'s Obituary
Michael Shlapack Jr., aged 65 of Lorain, Ohio passed away December 27th at Mercy Regional Medical Center. Michael Shlapack, a.k.a. “Big Mike” was born in Lorain County in 1949 to Michael Sr. and Helen Shlapack and was a lifelong resident.
A veteran, he served his country proudly and with distinction in Korea, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia in the U.S. Army, receiving numerous high honors for his bravery and service, among them, a National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He was always a man who never boasted about his service and record, but everyone in this country owes him a great debt of gratitude for what he did for us.
He worked in a variety of capacities at U.S. Steel in Lorain and retired after 30 years of service, truly displaying a work ethic that inspired those around him, especially his family and friends.
A man known for his love of nature, Mike loved walking and birding with his wife Linda at places all around Ohio. He also loved to golf every week with his buddies and especially with his son Eric when the opportunity arose. He had a passion for food and cooking that was only exceeded by his skills, which he often put on display during the holidays with his daughter Jackie.
Most of all, Mike loved his family and did everything he could for them his entire life, working tirelessly to provide everything they would need to more fully enjoy life. He gave back to his community as well by coaching youth sports, supporting local charities, and fostering a truly giving spirit among those around him.
Mike is survived by his wife Linda (LaValley), with whom he celebrated 40 years of marriage in October of this year, his children Eric and Liz Shlapack, Jackie and Keith Marsh, and his sisters Helen Wright and Linda Shlapack. He was also loved very much and will be missed by many friends and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents Michael Sr. and Helen (Farkas) Shlapack, his sister Nancy, and his beloved pets Brandy, Sneakers, Pumpkin, and Duster.
The Shlapack family will receive friends and well wishers on Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, Ohio. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday December 30th as well at 7:00 PM in the funeral center immediately following the visitation. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
The family encourages that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael Shlapack’s name to the Lorain County Metro Parks, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH, 44050.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
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