Mr. John Postalka's Obituary
John Postalka, 63, of Casco Township, was freed from a monstrous disease on Tuesday, June 17, 2014. Instead of withering in fear of a cancer diagnosis, he became remarkably determined to defy the grim prognosis. And he did. He stunned the medical community with his perseverance and inspired all who were fortunate enough to know him. His unrelenting patience, strength and powerful spirit afforded him an amount of time he was told he’d never have. Though his courage proved to be extraordinary, the manner of his struggle was of no surprise. John thrived in adversity. He grew up in Marine City and began working at the age of nine, not to accumulate things for himself, but rather, to help support his mother and younger sister after his father was stricken with polio. His incredible work ethic continued throughout his lifetime, from those first few jobs cutting lawns, to the decades spent laboring at Michigan Birch Door and Erb Lumber/Stock Building Supply. He worked hard to make his family’s lives easier.
John graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1969. Later that same year, he married Mary Servick, whom he often referred to as the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen and the absolute love of his life. Together, they moved to the country and built a life; they created a house full of love. It wasn’t the location, the square footage or the amount of possessions contained inside that mattered. It was the atmosphere, an environment that held people at its center, not dollars and the things they could buy. It was a house that welcomed any and all, for an hour, for a day, for a lifetime; a place where no one left feeling lesser than when they came. John had a calming presence, a way of dissolving problems that sometimes felt insurmountable. He was generous, giving not only of his time, his advice, his perspective, but also his belongings. If someone needed something, he gave it. His happiness wasn’t dependent on monetary wealth or the collection of things. For him, it was in a house full of people, full of laughter and noise and love. He found pleasure in the simple things: long, slow rides down dirt roads, appreciating wildlife and the beauty of nature. He loved to hunt and fish and spend time outdoors with the animals and kids running free in the yard. And now his freedom has us all at a loss. But the house still stands, built not from lumber and brick, but from the arrangement of people and all the various personalities linked and combined to form a home more permanent than any structure: a house full of love. John has gone ahead, to take his place in the wondrous construction of a new home, where each of us will fit in the space reserved for us when we cross, one by one, from time to eternity.
John was preceded in death by his father John, mother Jeanette, sister Jill Furtaw, cousin, Michael Callahan. He is survived by his wife Mary, son John, daughters: Joanne Zobl (Keith), Donna (Dave) Rubio, Sara Postalka (John), grandchildren: Joel, Jacob, Jack, Josie, mother-in-law, Rosemary Servick, and many close family and friends.
Visitation will be Friday June 20th 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. A rosary will be said at 6:00 p.m. No further services will be conducted. John’s request for cremation will be honored following Friday’s visitation and rosary. To leave a message of comfort please visit www.youngfuneralservices.com
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