Clarence "Smokey" Joseph Stachnik

12/25/1931-11/29/2024

Clarence " Smokey" J. Stachnik 92 of Cedar passed away on November 29, 2024, with his loving family at his bedside.

Clarence married Irene (Winowiecki) on June 30,1956, at Immaculate Conception Church in Traverse City., and they were married for 68 years.  Together they raised 7 children- Michael (Patricia Kalchik), David (Margie), Mark (Sherri), Clarence (Lucina), John, Susan, and Brenda (Joesph) Rioux. He has 15 Grandchildren, 17 Great Grandchildren, and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren and 3 Half-brothers: Donald April, Ronald April and Leo April.

Clarence was preceded in death by his Grandparents- John and Rose Stachnik, Parents-Joesph Stachnik, Florence (Stachnik) April, Brothers - Richard and Andrew Stachnik and Son- John Stachnik.

Clarence was the friendliest, kindest and most generous man you could ever meet. He would drive around Leelanau County to get the local news. His passion was cutting timber, he started his logging career with 2 draft horses, Queen & Smokey. He worked for different saw mills as a Lumberjack for over 40 years when a "freak accident "ended his career at the age of 60. After he recovered from a broken neck and closed head injury he worked with his son, David skidding logs until the age of 89. Clarence's hobby was farming and harvesting his crops to feed the brood cows along with his son, Clarence.  Clarence could be best described as a "Hard working man."

Clarence's family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of Michigan care team. Tonya, RN, Hannah and Shelly.

We also would like to thank all the family members that helped with his cares

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 6982 S. Schomberg Road, Cedar, MI 49621, with Rev. Father Donald Libby celebrant. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cedar.  Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Friday, December 6, 2024, at the church; the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM.

Memorials contributions may be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or to the family.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com