Mike Bolek, 59, passed away at Hospice House on Nov. 4, 2012. He died from an unusual and aggressive form of prostate cancer and the family encourages others to get tested sooner rather than later.

Mike was born in Ravenna, Ohio, on March 14, 1953, to Stanley and Ludmilla (Zagar) Bolek. He was raised in Phoenix, Ariz., and graduated from Camelback High School. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp and served 13 years. He was attached to the USS Midway during the Vietnam War, usually attached to the Air Wing, but also served as a drill instructor and recruiter.

In the late ’80s he moved to Coeur d’Alene to raise his family. He worked for the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office for six years. Also successfully established Arise and Shine Window Cleaning Service, a family owned and operated business.

Mike married Joyce Bullen on March 17, 1979, in MCRD, San Diego.

A member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and was serving as the current Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. Mike was also a member and past president of the Lake City Harmonizers and a past member of the Marine Corps League Pappy Boyington Detachment No. 966. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and spending time in the outdoors. Mike also spent a lot of time mentoring young men, guiding them and encouraging them to a responsible path through life. He was always there for anyone in need at a moment’s notice.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce of Rathdrum; three children, Sheena Kerfoot and husband Andy, Thad Bolek Jr., JR Young, and grandson Porter Michael Young, all in Coeur d’Alene; mother Ludmilla Bolek of Phoenix, Ariz.; three sisters, Patricia Bovee, Lorraine Johnson and Jane Bolek; and two brothers, Jim and David Bolek.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Stan, in 1984.

Memorials may be made to Knights of Columbus, 625 E. Haycraft Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene.

Please sign Mike’s guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.