Tony Michalak

August 26, 1974 - February 9, 2022

Tony Michalak, 47, of Bay City, our kind, humorous, smart, witty, epic and most loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and exceptional friend lost his battle with mental health on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Tony was born on August 26, 1974, to David and Mary (Kaznowski) Michalak. Growing up he loved picking fights with his brothers and sisters. Tony attended All Saints High School. Tony married his soulmate, Jill, on September 16, 2000. They shared 26 wonderful years and countless memories together. Tony was an expert ATM Hardware Technician, by day. By night, he was known as Mr. Fix-It and silliest dad with his voice impersonations of Elmo, SpongeBob, and Forrest Grump. Tony loved and treated all kids like they were his own. He loved hunting and all things taxidermy, and was especially known as the “Keeper of the Skulls.” He was extremely proud of the fact that he was self-taught in taxidermy. He was an avid critter collector and collector of all odd things. Tony was a musical lyric genius and movie line quoter; his special favorites were anything 80’s. He was the best estate sale picker and could find many treasures. Tony loved Star Wars and was known as “Yoga Yoda.” He was a whiskey taste tester and the Grand Master of a drinking club with a running problem (BCHHH). Tony was a Patrick Dempsey stunt double, landscaping extraordinaire, and sushi connoisseur. Tony was most importantly a mental health warrior, and while he lost his battle, he helped many along the way. Tony lived life in full throttle. Leaving to carry on his legacy is his beloved wife of 21 years, Jill; daughters, Courtney, 17, and Claudia, 14; parents, David and Mary Michalak; siblings, David (Heidi) Michalak, Jason (Brandi) Michalak, Andy (Keely) Michalak, Robert (fiancé Korelie) Michalak, Laura (Kyle) Essenmacher, and Katie (Gary) Edwards; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chris and Bonnie Spegel; sister-in-law, Lisa (Mike) Priebe; four-legged son, Oliver; nieces and nephews, Logan, Landon, Ava, Ryn, Kyrza, Ireland, Zack, Noah, Lily, Hunter, Ryder, Sunnie, and Tristan. Tony was predeceased by his paternal and maternal grandparents; uncle, Michael Moore, and niece, Calysta Flores, who left this Earth on October 15, 2020. Tony’s family will be present to receive visitors on Sunday, February 13, 2022 at 12:00 Noon, with a memorial sharing for all to take place at 6:00 PM at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 821 N. Pine Rd., between Ridge & Center. Per Tony’s wishes, cremation will follow. Memorial contributions may be directed to the wishes of the family. If you know someone in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).