Obituary

Michael Michalek passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at age 82, after many years of struggling with his health. Michael was born on April 19, 1943 to Genevieve (Fisher) and Matthew Michalek.

After early years in Nebraska on his grandparents’ farm, he grew up in Denver, CO. He fondly remembered fishing and camping with his Uncle Jo and life-long friend Neil. At 18, Michael became a Jesuit novice. He studied philosophy, theology, and sociology in Wichita, Boston and St Louis, and began teaching high school and college.

After some years, he left the order, returned to St Louis, and continued teaching. In 1974, Michael was introduced to his wife of 51 years, Judith Ann Padberg. They married six months later and moved to San Diego to start their family.

He began a 32-year career in computer sales with Burroughs Corp/Unisys. Mike and Judy moved to Bakersfield, then settled in Irvine, now with three young daughters. Another two children blessed their lives, to make five.

A true renaissance man, Mike developed skills in sailing, fly fishing, photography, motorcycle riding, gourmet cooking, and wood working. In Irvine, Michael taught adult Catholic religious education for decades. Through his ministry, hundreds received sacraments—and even found ways forward through annulments and other tough times with Michael’s counseling.

He is survived by his brother Bernie Michalek (Patty), his devoted wife Judy Michalek, and five children Amie Latterman (David), Jennifer DeSelm (Daniel), Michelle Brock (Emory), Katie Martz (Jason), and Michael Louis Michalek (Amy Jo), as well as their ten grandchildren Noah, Casey, Colston, Ruthie, Reed, Emmett, Spencer, Iris, Parker and Malcolm, and by many loving Padberg relatives he embraced as family.

Services will be held at St. Thomas More Parish on Thursday, June 26 at 10 a.m. Mass with on-site reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in honour of Mike to Homeboy Industries, at www.homeboyindustries.org.