Michael Joseph Vopatek, Sr.

Michael Joseph Vopatek, Sr, 74, of DeWitt, Iowa, and formerly of Forest View, Illinois, died Thursday afternoon, February 22, 2018, in the comfort of his home. 

He was born  October 11, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to George and Margaret (Younke) Vopatek.  Mike attended Morton East High School in Cicero, Illinois, from 1957-1961. He married Sandra Sanderson in 1962. Together they had two daughters, Debra and Darla. Miike later married Daun Fort in 1973. They have one son, Michael, Jr.

Mike was a machine repairman and maintenance mechanic for many companies in the Chicago area including MGD Graphic Systems (Goss), International Harvester, Sloan Valve, and Walgreens.  He resided in Forest View, Illinois, until 2014 when he moved to DeWitt.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially grilling, watching sports, and attending family events.  He also enjoyed working in his garage, maintaining his vehicles and helping his family with household projects.  Mike's hobbies included attending car shows, air shows and photographing national parks. 

Surviving are his loving wife of 44 years, Daun; daughters, Darla (Michael) Petrosius of Willow Springs, Illinois and Debra (James) O’Neill of Medinah, Illinois; a son Michael, Jr. (Rachael) Vopatek of DeWitt; grandchildren, Erik O’Neill, Kelly O’Neill, Courtney Petrosius, Morgan Petrosius, Porter Vopatek, and Vaughn Vopatek.

A family service will be held Saturday afternoon, February 24, 2018, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt.  Burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park, Illinois.   A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held in the Chicagoland area in March.  Memorials may be directed to his family in his honor.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

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