Michael Steven Jaracz
Heaven gained an angel on May 17 when we lost the best husband, father, grandfather, and brother that we were blessed to have in our lives.
Michael was born on Jan. 14, 1953, to Walter and Bernadine Jaracz, the third of eight children. He graduated in 1971 from Catholic Central High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Grand Valley. His passion was helping those with developmental disabilities, spending his entire career on the Lincoln Campus, mostly at Kent Vocational Options. It was at Lincoln where he met the love of his life, Linda, who he married in 1979. They were blessed with 2 beautiful children who each gave them 2 perfect grandchildren. He was Bobba to his grandchildren, and they adored and loved him beyond measure.
Michael was kind, generous and always available to others but seldom asked for anything. He was diagnosed with arthritis in his 30s and no matter how much pain he was in, he always put others first. We are comforted in knowing his pain is now gone.
Michael is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughter Megan and her boys Andy and Joey; his son Benjamin, his wife Bonnie and their children Caleb and Rylee.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John, nephew Jason VanEs, and will be mourned by his siblings Sheri (Jim) VanEs, Mary Pat Jaracz (Jeffrey Stuckey), Martha (Dave) Sawle, Dan (Amy) Jaracz, David Jaracz (Debbie Kowich), Susan Jaracz and sister-in-law Saundra Jaracz as well as countless nieces and nephews. He was the very best son-in-law to Joseph and Jessica Schwartz who he cared for always and in their last days, was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Steven Schwartz and is survived by Susan (Alan) Waples, Janice (Lindsay) Fonger, Mary Schwartz and their children. Lastly, he is survived by our sweet Frank Ebers who Mike and Linda became guardians to in 1981, who he loved and is part of our family.
Michael brought out the best in all of us and there are no words to describe how much we loved him and how much he is missed.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 Thursday, May 21 at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 and 60 minutes before Mass Friday. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 am Friday, May 22 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr. SE with Fr. James Chelich as Celebrant and Deacon Dennis Williams as Homilist.
Memorials in Mike’s memory can be made to Thresholds, or Special Olympics Michigan.
7 Responses
I always enjoyed seeing Mike back when he delivered to my flower shop. He was a delightful man that always had a smile.
So sorry for your loss. Mary Thomson
Mike, you were always a friend of the Kleff family. Whether it was being a resource with Joey for Dick and Dee, or a colleague, mentor, and friend to me, and a calm, reassuring hug as a test proctor to Rose. Truly a gentle-man. Linda and family, I don’t know that you truly know how many lives that Mike touched and had a positive impact on. Godspeed my friend.
-The Kleff Family
I’ll never forget the time I spent with my Uncle Mike, he was simply the best.
May his memory be a blessing.
Mike was my son, Jim’s, first teacher at LDC and he helped me get through the rough times having a special needs kid. I went on to work with Mike as a parent on the PSO, worked with his classroom at KVO as a substitute , and eventually worked with him as a colleague at KVO. He gave Jim the nickname, JK, and it stuck all these years. Loved his sense of humor and devotion to all his students and coworkers. He will be missed by many. Blessings to the family.
Liz and Jim Kohlenberger
Mike was truly a Great Teacher. He was loved by Students and Staff at K. V. O. Mike would tease me every morning at work. He Had a laugh out of this World. His Laughing would make you laugh. He was truly an Awesome Person. Rest Well, Mike.
For your Labour was not in vain. My condolences goes out to the Entire Family. God Bless You All.
Jeffrey Cummings- K.V.O. Staff ❤️🙏
I have so many fond memories of my Uncle Mike! May his memory forever be a blessing! 💔❤️🩹
Mike you were an amazing human – a truly kind soul. You will be missed. Rest in peace dear. You will not be forgotten.