Paul P. Shek

Paul Shek of Allegan, Michigan, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle , friend, and “American Independent,” passed away on October 11, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family. Paul was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 31, 1929, to Russian/Ukrainian immigrants, Thomas and Catherine (Nahirniak) Shek. Paul grew up in Lacota, Michigan, received his diploma in 1947 from South Haven High School, and graduated in 1951 from Michigan State University, where he studied vocational agriculture, boxed, ran track (1948-1950), and was a member of Farm House Fraternity. After graduation, Paul briefly taught at Fennville High School and he later became an accomplished builder-craftsman, pipefitter, and agriculturalist. Paul promoted the importance of an education, perseverance, self reliance, and a healthy lifestyle. Paul truly loved hunting with his grandchildren, leisurely rides with his daughter Peggy, auction sales, and gardening. He took great pride doing his part to improve the environment through years of planting trees, especially pines. One of his favorite pastimes was conversing with family and friends and sharing his knowledge and experiences. Paul will always be remembered for his wry sense of humor, wisdom, appreciation of nature’s beauty, fascinating life stories, fiercely stubborn independence, strong work ethic, eagerness to help others, polkas, long johns, Wrangler Jeans, Miller High Life, and Skoal Original. While not always agreed upon unanimously, we will always be thankful for Paul’s willingness to share his opinions with all who sat with him next to his percolating wood stove. Paul's life lessons will continue to be an inspiration to his family and his magnetic, energetic, and uncompromising spirit will endlessly touch all who knew and loved him. Paul will be deeply missed but the memory of him can only make us smile. Paul was predeceased by his brothers Alexander, Joseph, and Thomas Shek; his sisters, Sophie Militello and Tillie Klein; and, his daughter Patty. He leaves behind his sister Katherine Sandona and brother Walter Shek. Also surviving are his ex-wife and dancing partner of 52 years, Rita, and their children, Steve Shek, Peggy (Tim) O’Brien-Johnson, Jim (Erin) Shek, Kim (Gene) Allen, Sue (Dion) Foune, Sherry (Mark) Hilpert, Terry (Bill) Hogan, Merri Beth (George) Wallerius, and Penny (Rusty) Rathburn; his cherished grandchildren who will undoubtedly miss his tender hugs, loving handshakes, and sincere smiles, Cortney (Anthony), Kenny, Codi (Jeff), Cori, Jennifer, Sean, Justin, Ryan, Dana, Kristen (Pat), Mike (Arlie), Kayla (Robert), Tyler, Kelsea, Matthew, Gregory, Bryce, Brooke, Joey (Rosa), Jeri (Omar), Samantha (Dylan), Zachary, Max, Gabe, and Luke; his dear great-grandchildren, Caden, Simon, Logan, Landen, Jordan, Emma, Cassie, Sean Jr., Kenidy, Aedin, Huddsen, Lexi, Anastasia, Gavin, Xzavier, and Carson; and, many adored nieces, nephews and their children. “Be good and keep the faith, you're going to make it just fine.” (Paul Shek) A Celebration of life for Paul will be held on October 26, 2013 at Sophie's 7379 North Shore Drive South Haven, Michigan from 2-6 pm. Arrangements by BLOOMINGDALE CHAPEL, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com

Paul P. Shek

March 31, 1929 - October 11, 2013