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Michael Slack Obituary

Michael William Slack Battle Creek Michael William Slack, 56, passed away on the morning of June 15, 2009. Mike was born in Battle Creek on February 10, 1953. He was a graduate of Lakeview High School (Class of 1971) and continued to be active in the school system after his education and playing days were over. Michael married Karen Eileen Slack on June 8, 1973. They resided in the Lakeview area for over twenty years and have spent the last eleven years in the Pennfield area. He was employed at Frito-Lay for twenty-seven years, during which time he was a Route Salesman in Battle Creek and the surrounding areas. Mike's passion was his wife, two sons, extended family, and friends in the community. He was a coach and mentor to many young people during his life through his commitment to area youth athletics. He was the varsity baseball coach at Battle Creek Lakeview for four years. During his tenure and under his leadership, the Spartans won four straight Twin Valley Conference Championships. He took great delight when approached and addressed as "Coach Slack". He was preceded in death by his father, William Ray Slack. He is survived by his wife of thirty-six years Karen Eileen Slack, sons Thomas Michael and William David Slack, mother Joan Marilyn Williams, step-father Kendall Wayne Williams, and sisters Patty (Rich) Mueller-Dobb, Kathie (Jerry) Converse-Slack, Teri (Bobby) Petrie-Slack, and Shelle (Mike) Prokup-Slack. Mike is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; he took as much joy from being called "Uncle Mike" as he did being called "Coach Slack". Visitation will take place at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Thursday from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services celebrating his life will be led by Pastor Dennis Siddall, a cherished friend to Mike and the family, at the North Avenue Church of God Friday at 11:00 a.m. There will be a luncheon served at the church after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mike's honor to the Lakeview School District Baseball Program. Checks can be made out to: Lakeview School District, 15 Arbor Street, Battle Creek, Mi. 49015. The family would also like to suggest those interested to contact their local government, state government, or federal government to pursue the possibility of enforcing more strict penalties against those individuals who operate motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. Mike truly enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and people in the community and will be forever remembered as a man who lived each day with compassion, honor, and dignity. There was a distinct grace with which he carried himself. He was a man to be admired, respected, appreciated, and most of all, loved for living his life in such a selfless manner. There may have been men equal to him, but there were none better A family friend passed along a verse that typifies Mike, "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous mansurely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever."

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer from Jun. 18 to Jun. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Slack

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Don Buschini

June 12, 2024

Sad loss of a great young man

Don Buschini

June 12, 2020

Truly a special guy.

July 6, 2009

Karen and boys,
Still can't believe that Mike is gone. We always felt of you as extended family. He always greeted us with his great smile and a big hug. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sure wish we have made plans to have you and Mike out for pie.
Barb and Ellwyn

John Boos

June 30, 2009

Karen & Family

God must of needed a good man with a kind heart that day. Well....he got one !

Ricky Zanetti

June 27, 2009

To Karen and the boys and all the Slack family...The greatest times was when we played softball together for "Stans Place"! Everybody wanted to play with us but we had this special nucleus of a "family" like team and BOY we were good!!! Amost invincible! Mike was our pitcher and he was unstoppable! Nothing got by him! Those days were one of the best of my life! Big Hugs and Kisses to all the Slack family!!!

June 25, 2009

Karen & Family,

Please accept my deepest sympathies
Rudy Nelson

Nancy Lapekas

June 25, 2009

Karen and Family,
Saddened to hear of the loss of your husband and dad. My prayers go out to you.

Joanie Schmidt

June 22, 2009

Bill and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember how you spoke of your father with such love and respect. My sincere sympathy to you all.

Gwen Riter

June 22, 2009

To The Entire Slack Family;
My heart and prayers will always be with you all. Mike was an exceptional man, he touched more lives than he ever knew. Always remember that he lives on in all of you, forever and always.I am just one of the many people touched by your family.
Sincerely, Gwen [Killian] Riter

Mary Gilbert-Aldrich

June 22, 2009

Karen, Bill and Tom,

I was so shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of such a wonderful man. He was like a second dad to my sons and he touched them in such a positive way. He will be deeply missed but his life will be remembered in how he taught by example to the young men in his life how to be real gentlemen. His legacy will live on.

Lisa Williams Crews

June 21, 2009

Dear Karen and Boys, My name is Lisa, Kendall's oldest daughter. Dad just told me of Mike's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Even though I didn't grow up around Mike, the times he was there he made a very big impression on me even as a little kid. I remember Mike always had a smile on his face. He will truly be missed by his family, friends, and his little step-sister.

Linda Sullivan

June 21, 2009

Karen, Tom and Bill:

I cannot tell you how sorry John and I were to hear about Mike. Please be assured that you are in our prayers.

Brad Mccrory

June 21, 2009

It was a shock to learn of Mike's death. My thoughts are with his family. He was one of those people who always tried to uplift those around him. I know he will be missed.

Patrick Gilbert

June 20, 2009

To Karen, Tommy, and Bill,
I am sorry for your loss, and I do not really know what to say. I was in-touch with Mike frequently, as I saw him many a morning on my way to work. I was in a bad way, mentally a few times when our paths crossed, but he always managed to have a few words of encouragement for me. I will always remember how fair he was on the ball field, making me steal all the way around the diamond, 'cause he knew I could, making me hit a curve ball 'cause he knew I could. When we were young, he always made sure we did right first, and to be proud of our accomplishments. I will truly miss him and the way that he approached life.

Gregg & Matt Canfield Canfield

June 20, 2009

Karen, Biil and Tom, All men try to be but very few achieve what Mike was, a Good Man. Please accept our heartfelt prayers and condolences.

Sue Walker

June 20, 2009

One million thirty six and counting...
Will better see the beauty in this world,
Will better feel the breeze against their skin,
Will better have the strength to weather any storm,
Will better live each day,
Will better love the people in their lives,
Will better know how to give,
Will better lighten the spirits of those around them,
One million thirty six and counting,
will love, will remember, will miss you, Michael Slack.

Terry Reed

June 19, 2009

My condolences go out to Mike's entire family. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Kathie (my childhood friend) I say a special prayer for you.

Stacy Plum

June 19, 2009

Bill- I am so sorry for your loss. I know nothing seems to take away the sadness, just know you and your family are in a lot of people's prayers. Please know I am thinking of you during this incredibly hard time.

Sandy Hayes

June 19, 2009

Karen, Bill and Tom,
We were so shocked and saddened by the news. Mike had such a sweet spirit and truly cared about everyone he crossed paths with. The last time we saw him was at the Art Festival on the Riverwalk,with you Karen, probably 5 years ago.
The Hayes family, Jon, Sandy, Sean, Ryan and Troy will be holding all of you up in prayer.

Alan Jacobson

June 19, 2009

Karen and boys- I don't know if you remember me but I grew up across the street from Mike and considered him one of my best friends. He was the one person I always sought out when I returned home from the mlitary on leave. I am deeply sadened by your and the worlds loss of this great person. My heart felt condolences go out to you at this time. I will always have great memories of grownig up with him and seeing him every day either at school or when we got home. Mike and I did almost everything together growing up, from riding bikes, playing sports both in school and out,camping in each others back yard or even having one of our fights and stopping at 4:00 to watch Popeye together. He was like a brother to me. I will truly miss the times I would stop by and visit, then talk for hours about our childhood and the people we knew. All these memories I will never forget. Even though I lost touch with Mike several years back I never stopped thinking about you guys. God Bless you all and if we keep his memories alive in us he will always be there with us.

Keith & Leslie Baker

June 19, 2009

Karen, Bill, and Tom..
We are so sorry to hear of Mike's death. You are in our family's thoughts and prayers.
Keith, Leslie Baker & family

Michael Barney

June 19, 2009

Words cannot express the loss of such a dear man and my heart and prayers go out to his family and close friends. If we all could live with the compassion and love for family, friends and life, we would be better off. I knew Mike from elementary through high school graduation. I feel my life is better of having known him and he will be truly missed.

Debbie Burk

June 19, 2009

Dear Karen and family, My thoughts and prayers have been with you through your difficult time. Patty has been a dear friend of mine since our children have been married, Kelly and Dan. Dan has told me how special Mike was to him and how saddened he is. Please just take one day at a time and remember all of the happy times you shared. The pain will lessen with time. My Love goes to you and your family with my thoughts and prayers. Love, Debbie Burk and family

Chadwick Newburn

June 19, 2009

Karen, Bill and Tom...
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gennie Newburn, Chad(CJ)Newburn and Christine Newburn

Erik Everest

June 19, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Erik Everest & Family

Mike & Diane Durkin

June 19, 2009

Karen and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.

Kathy Wright (Moore)

June 19, 2009

I knew Mike in High School, as the older brother of Patty. Yes, he was taken way before his time. My wish for you, after some time passes is to find comfort, peace and joy in knowing that he touched many lives. He leaves behind an awesome legacy. My heart goes out to the entire family and the Battle Creek Community. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

Lakeview Class of 1972.

Delores Clark

June 19, 2009

Karen,
My dear, dear friend, no words can express the saddness I feel for you and the loss you feel. You have so many wonderful memories, honor them forever. Bless you and peace be with you.
Love,
Delores

Bob McAllister

June 19, 2009

Karen & Family
You my not remember me, the boys won’t, they were very young at the time, but I worked with Mike at Preston Shoes, My name is Bob McAllister. This news saddens me greatly, it was a privilege to know and work with Mike. I thought it was special that we both shared the same birthday. Couple of things that I leaned from Mike and use today was his upbeat and positive attitude. Even when he was in a bad mood it was for a very short time. He was one of those people that everyone enjoyed and wanted to be around a true friend.

My family’s prayers and thoughts are with you.

Rick Chapman

June 19, 2009

To the family of Mike Slack,
I knew Mike through high school, and always remember him as a genuine and friendly person. I am saddened that I didn't get to know him better after graduation in '71, as after reading about his life and his love of his dear Karen and kids, he would have been a terrific friend. I cannot imagine the grief that you are all going through. My deepest sympathies for your sudden and tragic loss. May God be with you all, as he is with Mike right now.

Wendy Lien

June 19, 2009

To Mike's family, I met Mike in the 1980's when he deliverd in Marshall, he was one of the nicest people you could meet. He would always say hello and call me by my name, as the years passed anytime I would see him I would stop and chat for a few minutes and he was always smiling and full of life. So so sorry for your loss I'm sure it will be a huge void in your life but try to be happy for all the years you had together and not sad for the years you'll be without. He touched many people in his life and he will live on in many hearts for years to come. Be strong and God bless you. Peace

Becky O'Dell

June 19, 2009

Karen and family,

I didn't know Mike well, but everything I have read about him certainly fits the impression I had of him.

I pray that God will ease you pain and that you will find comfort and peace in knowing you will see Mike again in Heaven.

Today is "the present," tomorrow is a "gift." Cherish each day of life.

Mike Schira

June 19, 2009

Karen and Family,

My thoughts and prayers went out to all of you when I heard of your loss. I was a high school classmate of Mikes and baseball teammate for a couple of years, thinking back, I have nothing but good memories of those associations.

Amanda Gibbs

June 18, 2009

I'm so sorry for your loss.
My uncle was killed by a drunk driver 3 years ago in Detroit, while driving his semi-trailer to make it home for Thanksgiving, with his family.
He was only 53 years old and he left behind two daughters and two grand children. We will be sure to contact our government, on making stricter laws on drunk driving.
God bless your family.
I will keep you all, in my thoughts and prayers.

Bev Rindler

June 18, 2009

To Mike's Mom and Family,
I didn't know Mike, or any of you until that morning in the hospital hallway. After reading this beautiful tribute to your son, husband, father, brother, and friend, I know that he was an awesome man. The tragedy of his leaving you so early in life will be overcome by the legacy he left behind. May God bless you with strength and comfort, His love, and the love of one another through this sad time and always.

Crystal Thomas

June 18, 2009

I am deeply sadened to learn of the loss of Michael to our community.
I vow, and I hope that others will do the same, to honor Mike by contacting the proper authorities to ensure that we have tougher penalties for drunk driving crimes. Together we all can make a difference.
I am terribly sorry for your loss, and please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Dale Warren

June 18, 2009

Karen, Bill, and Tom:
The memories of playing in your back yard on 22nd street come streaming back as if it were yesterday. Someone always getting hurt was part of the program, not intentionally. I have great memories of playing on his team “The Family”, as one of the three non-family members allowed to be part of it. You will always be remembered as the founders of the infamous Halloween parties at my parents house on E. Michigan Ave. I never understood why Mike let me keep babysitting for Billy and Tommy when they got hurt every time I was in charge. The memories are still so painful knowing Mike is gone, he was a wonderful friend, co-worker, father, and teammate. I have told my wife so many stories of the good times we had, I wish she had met him. Mike was the kind of person everyone would have been better for knowing. My deepest condolences I send to you.
Love, Dale & Jan Warren

jason lee

June 18, 2009

karen and family
im very sorry to hear about the loss of
mike he was a good guy and a good friend ill miss him dearly my thoughts
and prayers are with you all

June 18, 2009

Floor hockey, baseball, Bill's team usually on the opposite side of the floor, or field from my son. Mike was there rooting on his boy, yet never without a kind, friendly word, always a smile on his face. Mike will always be remembered with fondness, and respect. A classy guy. The void that his family and friends will feel can not be expressed. His death is senseless and tragic!! We are so sorry!!!!
Rick Rawlings Jr.
Robin Bowen

Bill/Wendy Dolezal

June 18, 2009

Our prayers and sympathy goes to the Slack family at this time of loss. Mike always had a smile on his face whenever you saw him. We knew him as a Lakeview parent and coach. God must have bigger plans for him.

Tom Seaver

June 18, 2009

I have no words that could console or liberate you from your pain. The words I have read that have been used to describe Mike seem to pale in comparison to the real man he was. If there is any lesson in such great loss maybe it is to try and live life like Mike did. The world would be a better place.

Marjorie Thompson

June 18, 2009

I am very sorry to here of the loss of Mike. I knew him through his work. (he deliverd to a sote that I use to work at.) He was a great man and will be missed!

Laura Beeke

June 18, 2009

I never met Mike but got to know his sisters... and remembering them talk about Mike, they were truely blessed to have such a wonderful brother. My heart hurts for you all, and I will keep you in my prayers.

Dennis Smith

June 18, 2009

To Karen Slack and Kathy Converse and all who loved this man. He will be greatly missed by all. My condolences to you. This man was GREATLY respected and admired by all who knew him and came in contact with him. Even though you may miss him, hold your heads up high and be proud that this was one righteous man who led an exempleary life. God blessed us with his presence and we will someday be with him forever, but for now he will be missed. God bless you.

Courtney Davis- Domsic

June 18, 2009

My sincere condolences go out to the Slack family. My Aunt and Uncle lived next to the Slack family in Lakeview. My thoughts and prayers are with you!!

Dan Wellington

June 18, 2009

Karen,
I have no words that will ease your pain during this trying period of your life. However, I know it my heart that you have the inner strength to focus on the good, the best of times, and the special moments that you and Mike shared in his life time.

Your friend forever,

Sue Tharp (Morse)

June 18, 2009

I was shocked and saddened to hear that Mike was gone so soon. I knew Mike thru school years and every once in a while our paths would cross, he always had a smile and a hug for an old friend.
Take comfort in that his spirit is still with all of us and may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Dave Molnar

June 18, 2009

Karen, Bill, & Tom:

My heart goes out to each of you. It's no surprise that there is a resounding theme embedded in all of the comments in this guest book. Caring, Kind, Devoted, Righteous, Hilarous, Selfless; the list could go on forever. The concensus is that Mike was one of the greatest human beings to ever walk this planet, and each one of us that had the opportunity to know him should consider ourselves amongst the luckiest individuals on earth. We are all truly blessed to have known him, and we will all miss him dearly. Karen, I wish I could be there to give you a big hug. Much Love.

THERESA TURLEY

June 18, 2009

My dear friend Karen and boys - We cannot tell you enough how so very very sorry (and mad) that we are that Mike was taken so soon. You both were the best couple and sooo meant for each other. Even though Heaven has another angel with Mike, we who are left behind hurt so much. You know you can always talk to him and he will hear. Most sincerely, Greg and Theresa Turley

jerry Audette

June 18, 2009

I knew Mike for a short time this news has sadding me greatly Iknow Mikes family is going threw a hard time they strong I know. My heart hurts for all of you, Mike could put a smile on any bodys face and always will Mike I will never forget you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jerry Audette.

Lori Cason

June 18, 2009

There are really no words to express the loss the commuity is feeling over the loss of Michael Slack. I only knew him and his wife through their son Tom who grew up with my daughter and son-in-law (Toni and David Walker). As I'm sure Tom learned compassion from his father, Tom was always there for my kids whenever they needed him. My heart and prayers go out to the Slack Family.

Mike Greenman

June 18, 2009

To the family:

Most of you may not remember who I am, but I have no doubt that you remember my Father. My name is Mike Greenman and we all grew up in the same neighborhood together. My family and I wish to send my sincerest apologizes for your lost. My words cannot help to heal the wounds that have been inflicted on your family. Playing baseball with Bill every summer until we where 14 became the norm and the basketball games at the Slack's were legendary(even if the home court advantage was great). Bill I want you to know that I think of those times often and not one memory is without you and your father.
Regards,
Michael C. Greenman II

Paul Stienberg

June 18, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Connie Kohler (Raines)

June 18, 2009

Dear Karen and family,

I was so very sadden to hear of Mike's passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Mary(Bradford) Joy

June 18, 2009

My heart aches for all of Mikes family, I did not have the privilege of knowing Mike as a adult, but I know and love the family and am truly blessed by all the awesome words spoken about his life.He is with his Father in Heaven and his "Daddy" Bill and we will see them both some day.

Ronda Converse

June 18, 2009

To Karen and Mike's immediate family, and to all the Slack family. I was deeply saddened today to hear about Mike's passing away. It was too tragic and too sudden. God has called his spirit home. It is very hard to let him go, but his spirit is with everyone who knew him, especially his family. What a joyous gift God has given to us. Mike's spirit will live forever with all who knew him.

Cindy Roddy

June 18, 2009

My sincere condolences go out to Mike's entire family. He was my "chipman" for years and always had something to tell me about his precious family. I'll always remember the stories and the love he had for all of you.

R & R Dobb-Doran

June 18, 2009

Patty, Rich and Family;

The sadness we are feeling is so great but it will never measure the loss you are experiencing. May your memories always sustain you. Our love and prayers to you and your family.

Rosanne & Rich

Rhonda Wilson

June 18, 2009

I wish I had known Mike better. I only had the opportunity to meet him a few times. But, I know his very fine son, Thomas. He always beams with pride when he talks about his mom, dad and brother and how close his family is to each other. I heard many stories through the years about what a great guy Mike was. He was "the nicest man in the world". Now, after reading articles about his life and seeing comments from those who knew him well, I see that his son was not the only one who respected and loved him.
My condolences to you, Karen, Thomas and Bill, your extended family and all who were fortunate enough to know Mike.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Connie DeLong

June 18, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

sally simkins (morse)

June 18, 2009

Words are tough to come by when someone so caring is taken.
Thru High school Mike was one of those guys that everyone liked and loved to joke around with.
I'm glad I had the priviledge of knowing Mike.
Thanks for sharing him with us.

Beth Berends Nesseth

June 18, 2009

Thirty-six years ago on June 8, 1973 I had the privilege of standing up in Mike and Karen's wedding. What a beautiful relationship the two of you had. Mike was a wonderful example of a kind, devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed. My hope today is that I know I will see Mike in Heaven. (John 3) Karen, I love you so much and are praying for you, Bill and Tom.

Tina B.

June 18, 2009

I didn't know Mike but my condolences go out to the family.

I thought it was a good idea to ask people to contact their representatives about stricter laws for drunk drivers.

Debbie Wagner

June 18, 2009

Karen and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Just know that your friends and co-workers are here for you.

Don Buschini

June 18, 2009

What a tragic and tremendous sadness for the family of such a special person in Mike Slack. My thoughts and my prayers are with them as they celebrate his life.

Lori Kline-Closson

June 18, 2009

Karen, Bill & Tom - it is an honor to say that I have known Michael, to have counted him as a true friend and it is with the highest level of respect for a person, that I offer my most heartfelt condolences. The outpouring of cherished memories by friends and the community at large are evidence of the depth to which Mike has touched so many. I look forward to remembering, over and over, the fun, the silly, and the downright hilarious shared memories of times spent with him. One cannot help but smile when remembering this man.

Ray Closson

June 18, 2009

This week my friend was taken from me.
Although I have only known you Mike for a few short years, you made me feel like I have been your friend for a lifetime. Very few people can I say that I have enjoyed, and looked forward to every moment I had the pleasure to spend with them.
My friend, we travelled hundreds of miles together and shared the sight of some of the most beautiful places that America had to offer, all with your wonderful sense of humor and quest for adventure. You showed me that it was a real man that still loved and cared for his wife after 36 years together. I am brought to tears when I look at the pictures of you holding Karen and staring out onto the stars reflecting the light off of Bar Harbor, images of us on horseback in Yellowstone, picking wild blue berries in Maine, and finding hidden waterfalls. You danced and celebrated our Wedding with us only a few months ago, we have dined at many incredible places, and toasted the wonderful life we lead so many times.
Mike, I miss you my friend, and thank you for being such a wonderful part of our lives, you gave the world the best of anyone I know, up to the very end. Thank you for showing us how to live.

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