Al Machacek

Whether he was working to support the war effort, golfing with his buddies, watching the Wizard of Oz, or making others laugh, Aloys Machacek always carried himself with integrity and gentleness. He valued his family above all else, always happiest when he was surrounded by their loving company. Al was a man with a solid faith who lived his life in harmony with his beliefs.

The number of people living and working on farms reached its peak back in 1916. The majority of the farms were relatively small operations. New technology in the 1920s introduced a number of impacts on the American farm. Joseph and Christine (Pumper) Machacek, of Veseli, Minnesota, were looking forward to the landscape of their family changing as well; as Christine was due to give birth to their second child at any time. They were blessed on November 20, 1923 with the birth of their son, Aloys. Al was born on his family’s dairy farm, which laid the foundation for a strong work ethic which would follow Al throughout his entire lifetime. He and his four siblings were required to perform various farm chores, both before and after school. Al’s family were members of Most Holy Trinity Parish where Al attended elementary school through the eighth grade. In high school he attended New Prague High School and became part of the class of 1941.

A short time after graduation, Al was called to serve his country in WWII, but he received a deferment due to a ruptured ear drum. Al was determined to serve his country in some way, so he left for California where he worked as a welder building ships for the military. After the war, he returned home and found employment at the Carnation Creamery in Northfield, Minnesota. This job later transferred Al to Sparta, Michigan, which would pave the way for a love story which would span more than 60 years. A short time after he relocated, Al attended a house party where he met a pretty girl named Virginia VanOeffelen. It was love at first sight; the young couple dated for two years and were united in marriage at the St. Francis Catholic Church, in Chester Township, on May 12, 1948.

After a honeymoon in Niagara Falls, New York, the newlyweds bought a home on Carrie St. in Sparta where they lived for seven years. The couple were later blessed with the births of three children: Pam, in 1950, Joe, in 1954, and Kris, in 1961. Al moved his growing family to a home which he built on King Blvd. in Sparta. Al instilled his strong faith in his children when as a family they became members of Holy Family Catholic Church in Sparta, where they attended services together as a family every Sunday. Al and Virginia were devout in their faith and prayed the rosary often.

Al was a dedicated family man. He was very active in the lives of his children, attending many of their school events. Their family vacationed back at the family farm in Minnesota during the summers and traveled to visit family during the Christmas holidays. He began the tradition of watching the Wizard of Oz with his kids every year, a tradition that later in life would be carried out with his grandchildren. Al worked hard to provide for his family, leaving the Creamery for VanDallen-Baumhoff as a brick layer for 20 years and later, Al worked for Elston Richards where he serviced appliances until he retired at the age of 69. It was important to Al that he provide a comfortable home and lifestyle for his family.

In addition to his work and his role as a father, Al found time to pursue some additional interests. He loved to golf and had a weekly “appointment” with his buddies at some local golf courses. He was a loyal Minnesota Vikings fan and enjoyed collecting coins. Al was a wonderful cook and was famous for several dishes, including the best liver paste ever known to man! He loved making others laugh; he told great jokes and had a enormous sense of humor. Al loved having fun with his family and was the surrogate “dad” to many of his children’s friends. He and Virginia were members of a potluck group with 12 other couples, meeting in each other’s homes, playing cards and nurturing friendships which lasted for many years.

After retirement, Al still remained as active as he had always been. He enjoyed working in his yard, which led him to establish a small lawn business, cutting the lawn for his friends and neighbors. He worked at Holy Family Catholic Church, doing maintenance three days a week and was also a longtime member of the ushers club. Al’s first priority remained his family; when his granddaughter Jennifer was in the hospital, he traveled to Detroit to visit her for three days every week, bringing her favorite foods with him.

Al’s life was not without difficulties, however. Ten years ago he had heart bypass surgery and seven years ago he was diagnosed with lymphoma, which was treated with chemotherapy. His doctor tried to limit his activities in some areas, but Al would have no part of that. “It’s never late till morning, then it’s early,” was Al’s motto throughout his lifetime, and health concerns wouldn’t change it at all. Unfortunately, five weeks ago, Al’s lymphoma recurred and his health began rapidly declining as a result. He could no longer leave the house and was soon admitted to Butterworth Hospital, where he would spend the remainder of his days, surrounded by the constant companionship of his family until he drew his last breath.

Al Machacek lived with a tremendous zest for life and love for both his God and his family. He was nurturing and helpful, often setting aside his own needs to tend to the needs of others. Al created a legacy of faith and love for his family to embrace and his memory will be forever etched in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed.

Aloys J. “Al” Machacek, of Sparta, MI, died on December 16, 2008. Al‘s family includes his loving wife of 60 years, Virginia Machacek; his children, Pam (Larry) Buchanan, Joe (Vicki) Machacek, Kris Sloothaak (Pat Kersjes); his 7 grandchildren, Eric (Sarah) Buchanan, Jennifer (Gerard) Gole, Jacquelynn (Chad) Fisk, Heather (Ken) Martens, Ashley Machacek, Nolan Sloothaak, Andy Sloothaak; 2 great grandchildren, Owen and Macie; His sister and brothers, Martha Hrabe, Edward (Beverly) Machacek, Joseph (Jean) Machacek; many nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Emanuel and Doris Machacek. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 425 S. State St. in Sparta. Burial in St. Francis Cemetery, Conklin. Contributions in his memory toward Masses would be appreciated. Relatives and friends may meet his family on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut - Grand Rapids, MI, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Please visit Al’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution toward Masses.