Walter Bernard Michalak Jr

Walter Michalak, age 76, of Neillsville, WI died Thursday, October 25, 2012 at his home.Walter Bernard Michalak Jr. was born on July 25, 1936 in Jackson County, WI the son of Walter Sr. and Mary (Steponik) Michalak. He grew up in the Spalding area, which is between City Point and Pray, WI. He graduated from Pittsville High School and then worked at mossing and for a year at a traveling saw mill. On February 14, 1955 he was united in marriage to Margaret H. Ewing in Black River Falls, WI. Walter worked for most of his life for the Nelson Muffler and Filter Factory in Neillsville. During his 43 years of working for the company he held various positions from machinist to maintenance to working on special projects at the main office in Stoughton, WI. He retired from Nelson in 1998, and for twelve years after, Walt and Marge would winter in Holiday, Florida.He enjoyed his spare time fixing anything with a motor. He also loved deer hunting, fishing, country music and as a younger man, playing guitar. Most of all, though, Walter enjoyed spending time his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and buying them anything motorized to play with.He is survived by his wife, Marge, five children, Linda Michalak of Neillsville, WI, Debbie (Jim) Reichenbach of Lake Mills, WI, Tammy (Tim) Kren of Osseo, WI, Brenda (Gary) Meihak of Neillsville, WI and Mary (Bill) Riddle of Neillsville, WI. 13 Grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren, a sister, Verna Cummings of Wheeling, IL, a son-in-law, Kip Beck of Cecil, WI and a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Michalak of Spalding, WI. Walter is also survived by many nieces and nephews.Preceding him in death is a son, David Michalak, a daughter, Margie Beck, a grandson, Dan Riddle, a great grandson, Dylan Bloch, his parents, three brothers, John, Pete and Martin Michalak and a sister, Rose Morici.A Memorial Service for Walter will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 10, 2012 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, WI. Pastor Mark Krueger will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 10th at the Gesche Funeral Home.Honorary casket bearers are: Bill Riddle, Gary Meihak, Jim Reichenbach, Tim Kren and Kip Beck.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456