Michael John Vanak beloved husband of Shirley Vanak passed away July 3, 2017 at the Stettler Hospital with his family by his side, at the age of 85 years, after a courageous battle with Cancer. Mike and Shirley were married for 63 years.
Mike in his younger years loved fishing, camping and spending all of his free time with his family. Mike loved tinkering with anything mechanical and gardening. His favorite hobbies were golfing and playing crib with his grandchildren.
Mike’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He didn’t want a day to go by without seeing or chatting with them on the phone.
Mike had a great sense of humor and was very witty and he loved life.
Mike will always be remembered and sadly missed by his wife Shirley; his children: Wendy (Ron) Hankel, Terry (Shawna), Lori (Stewart) Longmore, Michael (Shirley) and their families; his sister Mary (Manual) Melle; other family and friends. Mike was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Anna Vanak; brothers Joseph and George Vanak; daughter in law Sharlene Vanak, beloved wife of Terry Vanak and grandson Jason Vanak beloved son of Terry Vanak. Memorial Donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Prayer vigil was held Friday, July 7, 2017 at 7:00 PM at Christ King Catholic Church with Father Don Ihekwoaba officiating. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, July 9, 2017 at 2:00 PM in Christ King Catholic Church. Words of remembrance were given by Samantha Vanak; readers were Jim Lynn and Samantha Vanak, intercessions given by Jim Lynn; presentation of gifts by grandchildren Chandra, Courtney and Crystal and great grandchildren Brodie, Keira, Nate and Mackenzie. Veronica Weber and Brenda Kneller presented their gifts of music. Interment took place at Lake View Cemetery with grandsons Jeremy, Josh, Ryan and Riley, sons in law Ron Hankel and Stewart Johnston as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were all of Mike’s grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jason Vanak in memory and the Knights of Columbus.
Family and friends gathered in the Parish Hall for a time of fellowship and a luncheon by the C.W.L. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your own choice. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by signing the guestbook at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium, 403-742-3422, entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.
