Bernie J. Michalewicz

Bernie J. Michalewicz, lifelong resident of Olfen, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2008 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Ballinger after a brief illness. He was 77.

He was born January 2, 1931 to Andrew and Louise (Blaske) Michalewicz in Runnels County, Texas. He married Beatrice B. Halfmann November 19, 1953 in Olfen and was a successful stock farmer all his life. He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, a member of Olfen Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Vets.

Bernie entered the military service in Abilene, Texas in February 1952, trained in Ft. Sill, OK, and received basic training in Ft. Hood, CA. He was among those who landed in Korea in August 1952. He served with Company F, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division of the US Army and achieved the rank of Corporal. He was wounded June 13, 1953 near Kumwha, North Korea, was hospitalized in various places until October 1953, then discharged in November 1953. From the President of Korea he received the Korean War Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars, which was awarded June 25, 2000 on the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. Other service awards received were the UN Service Medal of National Defense, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Purple Heart.

Bernie took great joy in farming, caring for his cattle, and attending the Producers Cattle Auction every Thursday in San Angelo. He also spent his time caring for the Olfen Cemetery, a job that he was honored to do for 38 years. Bernie’s greatest joy, however, was his family, especially his wife, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; infant twin children, Michael and Mary Michalewicz.; and brothers, Don and Warren Michalewicz.

Bernie is survived by his loving wife, Beatrice, of Olfen; his daughter, Barbara Heathcott and husband, Denny, of Winters; grandchildren, Amy Lewellan and husband, Ashley, of San Angelo, Robby Heathcott of Olfen, John Heathcott and fiancée, Melanie Bullard, of San Angelo, and Kara Heathcott of Winters; great-children, Darren and Corley Lewellan of San Angelo; sisters, Margie Jacob of Crews, Evelyn Jacob of Ballinger, Wilma Halfmann and husband, Cecil, of St. Lawrence, Sherline Strube and husband, Daniel, of Wall, Merline Weishuhn and husband, Olen, of Wall, and Delores Hoelscher and husband, Kenneth, of San Angelo; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rosary will be recited on Friday, October 3, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Olfen. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 2:30 at St. Boniface Church. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the St. Boniface Cemetery Fund
or to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. Services are under the direction of Lange Funeral Home of Ballinger. Guests may register at ballingerfuneralhome.com.

Our husband, daddy, pop, brother, and friend was a very loving man. Words can not describe the sadness and emptiness that we feel as a family as part of us goes with him. We will always cherish the good times we shared together as a family. He made friends with many and will be missed by all. “We love you!”