Michael J. Watrak
Michael J. Watrak, Lenexa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at age 75. Michael was born Friday, Sept. 13, 1940 to Patricia (Lattin) and Ted Watrak at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. His identical twin brother was born 8 minutes later. Michael attended St. Benedict’s Catholic School in Kansas City through eighth grade and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1958. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1962-1968 and was a Vietnam veteran.
He married Rosemary (Hlaus) on Aug. 1, 1970 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Wilson.
He spent his life in Kansas City, and Lenexa. Michael worked as a region manager for American Hospital Supply/Scientific Products as an electronics technician for more than 20 years. He then worked for Reliable Automotive in the Corporate Office in Overland Park, officially retiring in 2006. Michael enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. There was not a home improvement project that he could not do. He took great pride in yard work and landscaping. He volunteered at the Lenexa Historical Society for many years.
Michael is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rosmary, twin brother, Thomas, Denton, Texas; brother, Robert, Edwardsville, Ill.; sisters, Barbara Ledbetter, Tonganoxie, Kan., Susan Wright, Shawnee, Kan. and Mary Brush, Spokane, Wash. and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be conducted from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, Kan. Memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Private burial will be conducted at Wilson Catholic Cemetery, Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Ft. Leavenworth-Wreaths Across America, Johnson County Parks and Recreation or Memorial of your choice.
Special thank you to the staff at Cypress Springs, Garden Terrace and the 8th floor nurses at SMMC for their exceptional service, love and support. We are forever grateful.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com
