Michael Joseph Stanczak of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at the age of 80 from injuries sustained from a severe bicycle accident. Mike, or “Mickey” to his siblings, was born in North Chicago, Illinois on May 11, 1941 to the late Joseph “Curly” and Viola Stanczak. One of 5 siblings and the only boy, Mike learned his hard work ethic at an early age holding many jobs throughout his life, starting as a paper boy in which he earned enough to buy his first bicycle. From then on, his love of bike riding never ended. He had a love of different cultures, which brought him to major in Spanish at Loras College and Wichita State for his master’s degree. His first job was as a Spanish teacher at Zion Benton High School, where he met his soon-to-be wife, Patricia Hayes, a Special Education teacher. They married on June 18, 1966. With his wife and his love of Spanish, they honeymooned in Mexico and would visit there many times throughout their life together. Mike loved God and demonstrated this through his actions – he loved to make people laugh and feel good. He developed his teasing sense of humor from his mom, which his sisters did not always appreciate. Much to his family’s chagrin at times, he would lose sight of time as he would make conversation with virtually anyone. Mike loved everyone and would do anything for anyone, which was also evident though his volunteer work at KAFASI, church activities, mission trips to the Dominican Republic, lifetime blood donator, and many other activities. His love of gardening was apparent to all by his immaculate yard. His zest for life was contagious to all those around him. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia; children, Steve (Alma), Bill (Rhonda), and Michelle (Steve) Stevens; sisters, Kathy (Jim) Merlock, Bonnie (Tom) Sowden, Judy (Pete) Markarian, and Joanne Hays; seven grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, Bob Hays and John Merlock. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at St. Anne Catholic Church located at 9091 Prairie Ridge Blvd, Pleasant Prairie, WI from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:30. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Catholic Relief Services at www.support.crs.org or St. Anne Catholic Church at https://saint-anne.org/donate/. Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Michael’sOnline Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Rick Vanderhoef
September 19, 2021
I’m deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was my former Spanish teacher at North Chicago, and he was my friend. I offer my deepest condolences to Stanczak family, and to Mike’s friends and loved ones. I feel your loss as I still mourn the loss of my mom, 9 years later.Mike was a wonderful teacher, friend, and he was a very kind-hearted man. In class, he always referred to himself as “El Gran Magnifico” or “El Gran Stupendo.” That always got laughs from people, and he would laugh along with them. It also seemed to break down the barriers to getting through to everyone, which is something that he had a gift in doing.Privately, Mike had a heart of gold. After I graduated high school from Zion in 1985 (I had to switch from North Chicago in January 1984…much to my chagrin…after my parents moved from the base), Mike would ride his bike down from Kenosha, and we would go bike riding together. I joined the Army in January 1986, and whenever I was home through April 1990 (before I got stationed in Germany), Mike would also ride down to see me…or I’d go see him. I also had the privilege of being invited to his house for dinner with his family once. It was a pleasure to meet his wife and kids, and to sit down with them. He also taught me how to shuck corn, which was something that I had never done before.Unfortunately, after I was stationed in Germany in 1990, I spent the vast majority of the next 26 years overseas, and I wasn’t home too often (to include when my mother passed on 2012Sep18). I had lost contact with Mike over those years, and I had sought to try to regain that contact recently (albeit, and sadly, it wasn’t enough). Now, with Mike gone, my heart is saddened that I didn’t make that extra effort to reach out to him, which is something that I’ll always regret.The world needs more people like Mike in it. With Mike’s passing, the world is more empty, but I know that Heaven has gained another Angel. RIP my friend.
Carol Grasser
September 17, 2021
My sincere condolences to Pat, Mike's sisters, and the rest of his family. Mike and I went to grade school and high school together. I'm a Stanczak, and in the same grade, so we were always seated close together. He always had a big smile and a positive attitude and loved to tease. His obituary really captured his interests and personality. Thinking of you all with deep and sincere sympathy. Hold on to the happy memories.
MGajdos
September 17, 2021
I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the family & friends of Mike Stanczak.Mike and I were teachers together, co-workers for several years, at Dr. Jones Elementary School in Racine, Wisconsin. Mike was truly a great man, always kind, smart, big smile, great sense of humor, and just an outstanding teacher. Mike did care, he loved his students, and it was such a wonderful time to work with him! Mike taught 1st grade and I taught 2nd grade in the dual language program. I will always remember how thoughtful and how enthusiastic Mike was about his family, his students, and his interests. I am very, very sorry about his passing due to the bicycle accident. A few years ago, I did see Mike and his wife riding bikes together, and we stopped to say hello and talk a bit. Again, I am very sorry about Mike’s passing. I keep you all in my prayers. Rest In Peace, Mike. God bless you, Mike. May the Perpetual Light shine upon him now and forever. Sincerely, Mary Gajdos
Dawn Koschak
September 17, 2021
My memory is that when in his Spanish class way back in 1976, Mr Stanczak would translate our last names phonetically and convert it to a word in Spanish. Therefore, my last name, Koschak, became "coat shack", and Terry Iversen became "I'm her son". I don't remember how these new names were spelled or pronounced in Spanish, but I will never forget Mr. Stanczak and his clever way to give us our Spanish monikers.
Daryle Merlock
September 17, 2021
So sorry to hear of my uncle Mickey's death. I remember his positive nature, great sense of humor and sense of vitality. Seems he'd be a great community man in any era. Though he had 80 good years to be celebrated, seems he could have had many more as he kept himself fit and healthy and I know he leaves people (Aunt Pat, Cousins Steve, Bill and Michelle etc.) who need him. Rest in peace uncle Mickey-
Joanne Charon
September 16, 2021
Mrs. Stanczak and family, My heart dropped when I saw Mr. Stanczak's picture in the paper. I let out a gasp and instantly thought of all of you and what you must be feeling right now. The only respite I find in this is that he was doing what he loved. I have so many wonderful memories of him. He was a part of my life when I desperately needed a supportive father figure. I can still see him sitting in his chair with a stack of papers he was grading while watching LA Law (he loved that intro music). I always envied his career. I, too, wanted to be a teacher. 5 years ago I was able to make that happen and please know that he was definitely an inspiration for me in getting to that point. He was always kind and made me feel welcomed. Mr. Stanczak will always hold a special place in my heart. Although I cannot be with you at the service, please know that all of you are in my heart. I am truly sorry for the loss you and so many others are enduring now with his passing. Sincerely,Joanne (Turner) Charon
Reggie Spalding
September 16, 2021
One of the Great Teachers at North Chicago. God Bless the Stanczak family.
Zoyla Lopez
September 15, 2021
My most sincere condolences to Mr. Stanczak's family. I was one of his students in his Spanish class at North Chicago High School back in 91 and he was a great teacher and person, one of my favorites. We could talk and laugh about anything and everything. Rest well Me. Stanczak or Mr. Pelon as he also liked to be called.
Theresa (Krause) Anderko
September 15, 2021
I grew up in North Chicago. It was a lovely small town when we were young. Mike hasn't changed much from when he was a child. We went to Holy Rosary School as young children then off to NCCHS. I wish to extend my most sincere sympathy to Mike's entire family. May time ease some of the pain, and only happy memories remain. Theresa (Krause) Anderko
John Miller
September 15, 2021
REST IN PEACE, MIKE. JOAN JOHNSTON TOMKOVICK AND JOHN M. MILLER