Michael Joseph Wodek

Michael Joseph “Mike” Wodek, 82 and life-long resident of Petoskey, died February 20, 2019. 

Mike was born on October 22, 1936 in Petoskey, the son of Steve and Helen (Kopp) Wodek and was the first person to graduate from the St. Francis High School, here in Petoskey.  Following graduation, Mike was drafted into the US Army.  Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Mike returned home and went to work for the United States Post Office as a Mail Carrier, a job he held for 41 years, retiring in 1997. 

On February 11, 1961, Mike married the love of his life, the former Anna Cole, and together they made their home in Petoskey.  Anna preceded Mike in death on January 18, 2004.

Mike was a very social man who loved to joke and have visitors.   He enjoyed polka music, playing cribbage, and dickering.  His two greatest loves were his family and his faith.  He was a faithful member of the St Francis Xavier Catholic Church and a past member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by five children, Marie Chapman of Shelby Township, Deanna (Peter) Power of New York, Patti (Mark) Schlack of Washington State, Jerry (Brenda) Wodek of Petoskey and Joe Wodek of Florida; 12 grandchildren, Aaron, Desiree, Norma, Thomas, Aine, Emily, Kaleigh, Molly, Chris, Alex, Kiana and Timothy James ''T.J"; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Dave (Brenda) Wodek; sister, Kai Calhoun; siser-in-laws, Carol (Jim) Przybyla and Louise (Don) Davidson; and by several nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Anna: and by 2 brothers, Tom and John Wodek.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 26th at 10:30am at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.  The family will receive friends at the Stone Funeral Home on Monday, February 25th from 6-8pm with the rosary being recited at 7:30.  The family will also receive friends at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Tuesday from 9:30am until the time of Mass.

Those wishing to make a donation in Mike’s memory are asked to consider the Hospice of Northwest Michigan; the Holy Family Convent of Manitowoc, WI or the Franciscan Friars at the Our Lady of Angels Friary in Springfield, IL.

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