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Michalke, Michael Eugene "Mike, Popsy" (1960-2017)
Michalke, Mike "Popsy"
Obituary
2017
Mike “Popsy” Michalke was born February 14, 1960 in Weimar, Texas to Edward and Clara Michalke. After a long, brave, and courageous battle with leukemia he went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 2, 2017 at the age of 57 surrounded by his loving family in Katy. During his heroic fight with cancer Mike stayed true to his great character: soft spoken, kind, compassionate, strong, friend to all, great listener, quick witted, and always willing to help others.
He was baptized at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Weimar. He attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Sealy through the 7th grade. Mike transferred to Sealy public schools from which he graduated with honors in 1978. He attended Texas A & M University for 2 semesters before returning to Sealy for the love of his life Laurie Jean Schaffner. On November 8, 1980, Mike and Laurie were married and to this union were born their two sons, Brandon Michael and Nathan Scott. Mike’s number one passion was his family. He always made his children’s activities his priority from late nights at the ball park to endless miles traveling to livestock shows or rodeos. Growing up, Mike was involved in showing animals through 4-H and FFA, a skill he passed down to his sons and grandsons. Because of his love for livestock, he enjoyed ranching with his father-in-law, Billy Schaffner. Another passion of Mike’s was fishing and hunting. Even his battle with leukemia couldn’t stop him from spending quality time with his family. Hardly a day went by that you wouldn’t find Popsy somewhere with a fishing pole in his hand alongside his grandsons, Sterling and Sutton. He also was able to fulfill a dream of hunting elk in Canada. Throughout his life Mike was involved in numerous organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Austin County Fair Association Directors, Texas High School Rodeo Association Region 7 State Directors, Texas High School Rodeo Association Executive Board and Austin County Go Texan Committee. For many years, he was known as the “Rodeo Bar King” for the Austin County Fair. Mike created a legacy during his 38 year career at Sealy Concrete. He was a key part of the growth and success of the company. While there he built countless employee and customer relationships most of which resulted in lifelong friendships. Mike is survived by his wife of 37 years, Laurie; sons Brandon; Nathan and wife Lauren; grandsons, Sterling and Sutton; mother, Clara Michalke Lindemann; brothers Mark; Marlen and wife Gretchen; mother and father-in- law, Billy and Doris Schaffner; sister-in-law, Beth Fleming and husband, Steve; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Michalke, step father, Marvin Lindemann and niece, Sarah Beth Fleming Funeral mass Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sealy with Father Eric Pitre as the celebrant. Interment in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Sealy. The pallbearers: Jack Brandes, Bill Burttschell, Joshua Fleming, Tommy Herring, Ronnie Luhn, Holden Michalke, James Michalke, Wayne Michalke, Ronnie Moore, Ben E Novicke. Sterling and Sutton Michalke and Employees of Sealy Concrete served as honorary pallbearers. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Knesek Brothers Funeral Home in Sealy. Memorials may be made to Leukemia Texas, P. O. Box 54167, Houston, TX 77254 or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at MD Anderson and Methodist West for all of their care during Mike’s illness. Also a very special thank you to all the family and friends for their love and support. Truly NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE! |
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Michalke
Mike "Popsy"
11225
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