Thomas John Mahalak

Thomas John Mahalak formerly of Panama City Beach, Florida passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. He was 89. Tom was born May 23, 1929 in Flint, Michigan. Tom served in the Merchant Marines for two years and then served in the Air Force. He was honorably discharged after serving four years. He began working as a cable splicer at General Telephone and after 35 years he retired as Division Engineer and Construction Manager for the Northern Division. In retirement Mr. Mahalak cared for the grounds at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School and later Messiah Lutheran Church. He took great pride in taking care of the properties and retired after 25 years of stewardship. Mr. Mahalak was a skilled wood worker and used his abilities many times with Habitat for Humanity. He also made wooden furniture and keepsake gifts for his family members. Tom enjoyed fishing throughout his life. He is survived by his children: Nancy (Greg) Anderson of Cadillac, Michael Mahalak and Jeffrey (Margie) Mahalak all of Panama City Beach, Florida; grandchildren: Kristin (Matt) de Nesnera, Beth Mahalak (Anthony Konecni), Lindsay Mahalak (James DeFoor), Ali Mahalak; brothers, Lawrence "JoeÃ¢â‚¬Â Mahalak of Howell and William "BillÃ¢â‚¬Â (Connie) Mahalak of Port Charlotte, Florida and sister-in-law, Ruth Weiland of Frankenmuth, Michigan. Mr. Mahalak was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Darlene (Connon) Mahalak; his mother, Irene Margaret (McCardle) Mahalak; father, John Mahalak; step-mother, Eleanor Mary (LaBonte) Mahalak; a sister, Shirley Mahalak; lifelong friend and brother-in-law, Curt Weiland and a sister-in-law, Carole Mahalak. Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, March 8, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church in Cadillac with Reverend Scott Torkko officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. A graveside service will take place 11:00 AM Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Panama City, Florida with a time of fellowship at Messiah Lutheran Church to follow. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Thomas John Mahalak

May 23, 1929 - March 3, 2019