Clement Machala

MACHALA, Clement F.- Age 89, of New Lothrop, died Thursday, April 24, 2008 at Avalon Hospice.  Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, April 28, 2008 at Sharp Funeral Home, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek.  Burial immediately following in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Flint.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home Saturday from 5-8 PM and Sunday from 1-4 and 5-8 PM.  Those desiring may make contributions to St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  Mr. Machala was born November 22, 1918 in Lennon, the son of Martin and Anna (Svabensky) Machala.  He was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army, he served in the Battle of the Bulge where he received the Bronze Star; he also was the driver for Colonel William Prince.  He married Mildred Georgia Cajka August 22, 1940 at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Swartz Creek and she preceded him in death November 30, 1984. He had resided in New Lothrop since 1987 coming from Lennon.  He retired in 1975 from GM Chevrolet Manufacturing after 38 years of service in Quality Control; he also farmed for many years.  He was a member of the New Lothrop V.F.W. Post #6579, Owosso F.O.E. Aerie #851, U.A.W. Local 659 and AARP.  Family was important to him and he loved to travel to Florida.  Surviving are: son, Richard Machala of Lennon; 4 grandchildren, Michael and wife Lori Machala of Grand Blanc, Michelle and husband Jim Robinson of Rochester, Rick Machala of Grand Blanc, Monica Machala of Owosso; 5 great grandchildren, Michael and Emily Machala, Chloe Machala, Becker and Boyd Robinson; best friend and constant companion, Ann Serbus of New Lothrop; special friends, Jacqueline Machala of Owosso, Tammy Krupp of New Lothrop; brother, Charlie and wife Emma Machala of Lennon; many nieces and nephews.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Beverly Ann Machala; 2 brothers, Pete and Frank Machala; 2 sisters, Mary Rodden and Catherine Machala.  The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staffs of both Pleasantview of Corunna and Avalon Hospice of Flint.  Online condolences and tributes may be posted at the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.