Leslie Francis Tacey

Leslie Francis Tacey, 78, of Essexville, our caring, loving, and helpful husband, brother, uncle, and friend was born into eternal life on the morning of Monday, February 20, 2017 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Leslie was born in Bay City on January 7, 1939, the son of the late Raymond and Elizabeth (Mulders) Tacey. While standing in his sister, Carolyn Talaga’s wedding, he met the former Sally Bokhart. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on November 6, 1965. Their secret to fifty-one years was “lots of love.” Leslie proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1962-1964 and was stationed in Germany. He retired from General Motors – Powertrain in 1995 and was a member of Local 362. He enjoyed camping with his Smiling Sams and Sally’s chapter of the Good Sam Club, where he was a past president. He also enjoyed dune buggies, snowmobiling, fishing, boating, spending time at the cottage on Lake Magrethe in Grayling during the summers and winters in Alamo, Texas, where he had many wonderful friends. In addition to his devoted wife, Sally, Leslie leaves to cherish his memory his brother, Raymond (Bernadine) Tacey; brothers-in-law, David Talaga and James (Betty) Bokhart. He was the loving and supportive uncle of Jerry (Kathy) Talaga, Bonnie (Mike) Sroka, Sherry (Dan) Whitney, and Connie (Larry) Zalucha. He is also survived by his nephew and Godchild, Jim (Lena) Bokhart; great nieces and nephews, Andrew Talaga, Kevin Whitney (Jessica), Katie (fiancée Mat) Whitney, Krista Whitney (Ben), Ashley Zalucha (Travis), Kyle Zalucha, Kayla Bokhart (Devin), Cody Bokhart, and great-great niece, Aleah Wilson. Leslie was welcomed home to heaven by his parents and his sister, Carolyn Talaga. Leslie’s family will be present to receive visitors on Friday, April 21, 2017 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Vigil for Leslie at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. On Saturday, April 22, 2017, Leslie will be taken to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish (St. John the Evangelist Church), 614 Pine St., Essexville, where visiting will continue from 9:00 AM until the time of his 10:00 AM Memorial Liturgy. Fr. Dale Orlik will officiate with a private Rite of Committal to be held later at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Sally wishes to thank all of the wonderful nurses at the University of Michigan Hospital, along with her niece, Bonnie for all the visits and moral support. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.