Michael I. Michalek

Michael I. Michalek, MD was peaceful and content when he passed away the night of May 31, 2013. He was 80 years old. Born on November 10, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois, he was the oldest of three children born to Irvin Vincent Michalek and Serena Bednarek. Mike graduated from Lane Tech High School in 1952. During high school he played water polo for a local Chicago park team. His team made it to the Olympic playoffs the year he graduated. In 1953 Mike joined the Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman, stationed in Hawaii. Upon his discharge, Mike returned to the mainland and attended Portland State University where he earned his undergraduate degree. He went on to attend the medical school at the University of Oregon, graduating in 1965. After graduating, he moved to Denver and did his residency in pathology at General Rose Hospital. In 1966 he began private practice as a General Practitioner in the Denver area. He became known as ""Dr. Mike"" and was quickly adored by many. In the early 1980's Dr. Mike faced addiction. He was soon embracing a life of sobriety. Like everything, he gave it his all and before long his practice focused solely on Addiction Medicine. He devoted his efforts to this field for over 30 years and, during this time, he touched many lives. A lover of many things, Mike lived an especially colorful life rich with family, friends, music, horses, dogs, bicycles and an untamable sense of adventure. He braced problems head on and always had a twinkle in his eye that forced a smile to your face. His spirit will dance forever in the hearts of those who loved him. Mike is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Carol (Hartley) Michalek; his five children: Suzie of Chicago, Mark of San Diego, Kirk of Denver, Michele of Orange County, and Amy of Georgia. He also leaves a brother, Dave, of Thailand. Additionally, he was a proud and adoring Grandfather to Reid, Dane, Gram, Tess, Matthew, Nathan, Quinn, Jules, Annie, Brandon and Max. He is predeceased by a sister, Lilah of Portland. Mike passed with little suffering, at least he complained of none when he succumbed to congestive heart failure after being hospitalized for the same. Please make a charitable contribution to the American Heart Association in lieu of flowers. There is a visitation at Horan and McConaty on 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard on Friday, June 7 at 10:00 AM, and a service at the same location at 11:0 AM. Please leave memories of Michael and condolences for his family in the guest book below.