Obituary of Jeffrey Michael Michalek

Michalek, Jeffrey M. of Perry, Michigan ~ Jeffrey Michael Michalek was born into eternal life July 27, 2020 in Owosso, Michigan, and where he was born March 15, 1964 to the late George J. and Frances H. (Sayles) Michalek. He resided all of his life on the family farm in Perry Township. In his youth he was active in 4-H and FFA, and graduated from Perry Public Schools with the class of 1982. Following graduation, he went on to MSU where he completed the MSU Agricultural Technology Program. Jeff and his brother Ron were partners in a dairy operation until they sold the cows in 2009. Their's was the last dairy herd in Perry Township. They continued with a cash crop operation. Jeff enjoyed showing his registered Jerseys at the Shiawassee County & Fowlerville Fairs, and at the State Fair in Detroit, first through 4-H and later in open class. Jeff was very proud to have bred the Champion Jersey and Supreme Champion Cow at the (New) Michigan State Fair in 2013. Even after the cows were sold, his passion for Jersey cattle continued via showing heifers, attending county fairs, cattle shows, and cattle auctions, as well as talking pedigrees with his fellow breeders. Jeff was a member of Farm Bureau serving on the county board and on numerous committees. He was a Life Member of the FFA Alumni. He served on the Board of Review for Perry Township since 1998, and served as chairman nearly all of that time. Jeff was a member of the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club as well as the American Jersey Cattle Association. He held many positions in the Michigan Jersey Club, including president, vice president, secretary, and serving on numerous other committees. Jeff was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Morrice where he had been involved as a server, usher, and funeral server. Jeff is survived by his brothers, Msgr. George C., Dr. Thomas E. (Lucinda), and Ronald E.; aunts, Mrs. Dorothy (Robert) Ware and Mrs. Shirley Sayles; Tom's children, Nicholas (Jeanna), Matthew (Rebecca), Sarah and Elizabeth; grandniece, Shelby; foster niece, Jacqueline Reeder and family; as well as many cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; godmother, Mary Louise Sayles; and nephew, Andrew. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 509 N. Main Street, Morrice, Michigan. Rev. Msgr. George C. Michalek will officiate with burial following in Bethany Cemetery, Morrice, MI. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday, August 2, 2020 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM & on Monday from 10 AM until the time of Mass. The Rosary will be prayed at church, Sunday evening at 7:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Memorial Contributions to Owosso Memorial Hospital ~ Cancer Center Shuttle Fund. To sign online guestbook, visit www.hyattewald.com Arrangements made with the Hyatt Ewald Funeral Home, 700 N. Monroe St., Bay City MI. 989-892-3923. ~ Just A Cow ~ From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a cow", or, "That's a lot of money for just a cow." They don't know the distance travelled, the time spent or the costs involved for "just a cow." Some of my proudest moments have come with "just a cow". Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a cow," but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a cow", and, in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a cow" gave me comfort and a reason to overcome the day. If you too, think it's "just a cow", then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend", "just a sunrise", or "just a promise". "Just a cow" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a cow" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of "just a cow", I will rise early, stay in the barn for hours and look longingly into the future. So for me, and folks like me, it's not "just a cow" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past and the pure enjoyment of the moment. "Just a cow" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a cow", but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human". So the next time you hear the phrase "just a cow", just smile…because they "just won't understand".