Michael Martin Mizak

Michael Martin Mizak, age 89. died Sunday, August 7, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family. Michael was born December 30, 1926 in Kulpmont, Pennsylvania to the late Michael Paul and the late Julia Veronica (nee: Bartko) Mizak.Michael lived in a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania as a toddler. Towards the end of the great depression, his mother, Julia insisted that the family leave the area to find work in a safer environment and chose the city of Detroit as their new home. At the age of 17, towards the end of World War II, Michael answered the call of Uncle Sam and served our country proudly as a sailor in the U.S. Navy during World War II. As one of the ship's Machinist Mate's, one of his main responsibilities involved working in the boiler room aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Boxer. With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we honor Michael for his service, his patriotism, and his bravery for the call to duty he served with distinction. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Michael returned home to the Detroit area. Shortly after his arrival home, there was one special evening that found Michael attending a dance where his life would never be the same. It was at this dance that he was introduced to the beautiful & stunning, Virginia Warchol. These two lovebirds eventually fell deeply in love and were married in 1949 at Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Detroit. They would call Detroit home until 1954 at which time they decided to make their new home in the waterfront town of St. Clair Shores.The close proximity of Lake St. Clair would feed Mike's passion for fishing. He spent countless hours walleye and muskie fishing. He was so passionate about his fishing, he eventually bought a piece of property on Harbor Island. This location, close to the mouth of the Detroit River, was the perfect spot to keep his 24 foot Sea Ray and chase his elusive catch. He would ultimately build a house that he could drive his boat into. This cottage home would also host many family gatherings, none of which Mike enjoyed more than Father's Day on the island. Mike worked for the Kasper Machine Company in Madison Heights for many years. He started out at the bottom, but would retire as a foreman. His son, Mark had the pleasure of working alongside his father and having lunch with him every day.Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia on November 11, 2013. Michael was the dear father of Cathy (Todd) Burton, Michael Mizak, Mark (Joanne) Mizak, Carol Mizak, and Christine (Joseph) Lovins. Brother of Thomas (Dorothy) and the late Eugene (the late Audrey) Mizak. He is also survived by his 14 cherished grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Visitation for Michael will be held Wednesday, August 10th from 5 - 9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Road) in Warren.Michael will lie in state on Thursday at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 22412 Overlake St., St. Clair Shores, from 9:30 am until the time of his Funeral Mass at 10:00 am.Please share memories at Michael's memory book above.