KRAK, Michael "Mike"
Michael "Mike" Krak, born in what is now the Slovak Republic, Mike's family settled in Weirton, WV. He attended Weirton High School, then West Virginia University, graduating in 1948. While attending WVU, he captained the golf team for 3 years. He was elected to the Physical Education School Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2014, Mike was the first and only golfer to be inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame. Choosing to follow a career in golf, Mike accepted the position of assistant professional to the Hall of Fame Professional Henry Picard at the Canterbury Golf Club in Cleveland, OH. His career was interrupted by a 3 year stint in the United States Air Force (in the early 1950s). Mike was commissioned Officer and a pilot, receiving his wings with the Class of 52-C. Upon discharge, Mike joined the PGA Tour and played for 3 years. He was one of the Tours' longest hitters, twice winning the PGA Long Drive Contest in 1956 and 1957. Mike started his club professional career in 1957 at the Lake View Country Club in Morgantown, WV. He served as Golf Director or Professional at some of the best clubs in the east: Century Golf Club in Purchase, NY; Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, CT; John's Island Country Club and Hawks Nest Golf Club in Vero Beach; and PGA National. Mike had an outstanding record as a player. He twice won the Tri-State PGA Championship, twice won the Metropolitan New York PGA Championship as well as the Westchester Open, and the Bermuda Pan-Am Championship. Mike played in 5 U.S. Open Championships, 9 PGA Championships, and 1 British Open. In 1999, Mike was selected as the Senior Honoree for the South Florida PGA Section. He was a PGA member for 65 years. He also helped local charities raise money through golf, serving on the Youth for Christ Committee for 25 years. Mike is survived by: Susan, his loving wife of 56 years; his three children, Jennifer (Dan), David and Greg (Kathleen); and his eight grandchildren, Ashlyn, Alexandra, Annsley, Josh, Jake, Michael, Ryley and Kaiden. Mike was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 11 at 11:00AM at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach. Please send donations in Mike's honor to First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach, 717 Prosperity Farms Rd, North Palm Beach, FL 33408.
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Published by The Palm Beach Post from Feb. 4 to Feb. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael KRAK

Sponsored by Howard Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center.

12 Entries

Woody Broadhurst

March 19, 2018

I first met Mike when he was the golf Professional at Wee Burn Country Club in Darien Connecticut. I was a young caddy in the late 60s and also his personal gardener at his home for several summers . Many times after a morning of caddying he would have his wife Susan pick me up at the course so I could make extra cash cutting their lawn and doing other odd gardening jobs. Susan never failed to ask if I had eaten lunch and made sure I did. They were wonderful people and I look back on their generosity with fondness. God bless Mike and his family.

Josh Krak

February 17, 2017

Mike krak (Gramps) was my grandfather. I loved visiting with him and going to duffys a resteraunt in Florida. he was one of my biggest supporters of my switch to Riverside Military Academy. I loved having family reunions with him. The funeral at the presbyterian church was a moment i will never forget. He was inducted into the west Virginia hall Of Fame in 2014 and was an amazing golfer. He always asked me how i was doing when i called him on the phone. i asked him the same thing as i hoped he would feel his best every day. Im glad i got to spend all this time with him and am honored to be one of the 8 of his grandchildren. He has inspired my life to do my very best everyday and not give up. He has been such a positive impact on my life and will always have that special place in my heart for him. This January, when i heard he had been in terrible condition, i really hoped he could feel better soon. When i heard he passed away, my heart sank. All i could do was hug my dad. Im so verry happy Mike Krak is in better place now:) I love You Gramps:)

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Mark Eissey

February 7, 2017

Mr Krak was a wonderful man of Christ. He was highly esteemed in the world of golf and he and Mrs Krak raised a great family.To all of the Krak and Dan James families I pray for God's greatest blessings for all of you at this difficult time.And to Mr Krak , well done good and faithful servant.

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February 5, 2017

Uncle Mike not only was like a father figure to me, but he and my Aunt Susan were my parents' very best friends. I'll always remember Uncle Mike for his sharp intellect, great sense of humor and overall class. In his honor, I will be extra conscious of my flying right elbow, for which he criticized me on a regular basis. My love goes out to the entire Krak family.

Joan deGarmo

February 5, 2017

Mike was one of the influential persons in my life. Forty five years ago, he taught me to love and play golf. His talent and wisdom has stayed with me always. I think of him often, especially on the links.
He was an was an outstanding golf professional, husband, father and all around wonderful man who made a difference in this world.

David Liddle

February 4, 2017

Mike Krak was A PGA Professional of the very highest qualities. I was fortunate to work for Mike at the John's Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida. He was a great player, teacher, communicator, husband and father. I could listen to Mike for hours. He set the perfect example for inspiring professionals to follow. He will be greatly missed.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Randy Glass

January 30, 2017

I only had the privilege to talk with Mr. Krak a couple of times. He seemed to take great interest in talking with me about my coaching days or the various projects his son in law Dan and I would be working on at Jennifer and Dan's home. I only regret that I did not have the opportunity to know him better. My wife Sharleen and I offer our deepest sympathy, love and condolences to Mrs. Krak and the entire family.

Randy Glass

January 30, 2017

I only had an opportunity to talk with Mr. Krak a couple of times. He was a very nice man who seemed genuinely interested in talking with me about my coaching days or the projects that his son in law Dan and I were working on at Jennifer and Dan's home. I only regret that I did not get a chance to know him better. My wife Sharleen and I offer our deepest sympathy and love to Mrs.Krak and all of the family.

Ed and Julie LoSasso

January 29, 2017

Mike will be sorely missed. The world has lost a great mentor. Mike was a great Christian and followed His Heavenly principles. He walked the walk in a Godly way with great love and admiration for all.

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