John Michalek

OACOMA - Funeral Services for 54-year-old John Michalek of Oacoma, SD will be held Wednesday, May 7, 2003 at 2:00 P.M. at the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain. Burial will be in the Reliance Cemetery, Reliance, SD. There will be a Prayer Service on Tuesday evening at 7:00 P.M. at the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain. Visitation will be on Tuesday 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Wevik Funeral Home in Chamberlain and Wednesday from 9:00 AM. until service time at the church. John Henry Michalek was born October 1, 1948, at Manly, Iowa, to Sylvan (Massy) and Jennie Michalek. John attended Manly High School until 1965. Assuming responsibility for his own life he moved to Reliance at the age of 16, graduating from Reliance High School in 1967. In 1968 he was drafted and served his country in Vietnam with the United States Army First Battalion Air Mobile Cavalry Division, Charlie Company Second Platoon of the Seventh Brigade, being honorably discharged in 1970. John earned a Purple Heart during his tour of duty. Most of John's life was spent working in law enforcement beginning with his 11 years as Deputy Sheriff of Lyman County. In 1986 he was elected Sheriff of Lyman County and served the community in that office 12 years. He was committed to working with youth; helping implement the D.A.R.E. program in the Lyman Middle School, employment with the Chamberlain Youth Academy, and the past 3 years John was employed with the Chamberlain Police Department. John was skilled at woodworking, furniture refinishing and enjoyed many sports. A member of the Chamberlain Country Club, John could be found at the course whenever time allowed. John enjoyed traveling with his wife, Pam, to various golf courses around the country. John held current memberships in the Johnson-Peterson American Legion Post No. 179, Kennebec-Reliance and SD Peace Officers Association. His awards included Outstanding Citizen by the Lyman Middle School Students, Friends of Education by the SD Principals Association and Award for Service from the SD Sheriffs Association. He passed away on May 3, 2003 at his home at the age of 54 years 7 months and 2 days after a six month courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Pam of Oacoma; three daughters from his marriage to Mollie Butt: Amy Michalek of St. Paul, MN., Kristi Hembree and husband Ryan of Baltic, Lacey Michalek of Sioux Falls; step-sons, Derek Long and wife Renee of Oacoma, Chris Long of Mitchell; two granddaughters, Olivia Michalek and Avany Long; a sister, Joyce Cody of Hudson, CO; a brother, Jim Michalek of Reliance; a half-brother, Richard (Bud) Michalek of Sacramento, CA; two half-sisters, Pat Hodl of Spokane, WA and Barb Carlson of Mason City, IA, and many nieces, nephews and close friends. John was preceded in death by his parents and a half-sister.