From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 2:15 PM Southern Illinoisan Newspaper, Carbondale, IL April 17, 2014 Michael Stafko, 65, of Mulkeytown, Illinois passed away at 2:04 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at his home with his loving family at his side. Michael was born September 27, 1948 in Royalton to George and Evelyn (Childers) Stafko. He married Valeria Jean Issler October 4, 1968 in Christopher. Together they enjoyed 45 years of marriage. She survives in Mulkeytown. Other survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and John Steven Vaughn of Carterville, a son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Heather Stafko of Freeburg; his mother, Evelyn Stafko of Royalton; a brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Raylene Stafko of Royalton; six grandchildren, Blake, Haden, Carter and Maryn Vaughn of Carterville and Tyler and Camden Stafko of Freeburg; a niece, Jill (Stafko) McKinney, a nephew, Jon Stafko all of Royalton; two great nephews, Nicholas and Cole McKinney and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his father, George Stafko. Mike graduated from Zeigler-Royalton High School in 1966; Mr. Stafko was a Deacon of the Church of Christ at Minor in Mulkeytown. He proudly served his country in the Ninth Infantry in Viet Nam War and was stationed at Schofield Barracks Army Base in Hawaii until he was honorably discharged in October of 1970. Upon returning home, Mike worked at the Blue Bell Packing Company in DuQuion. He then was employed as a Roof Bolter by Old Ben 21 Mine for 13 years. Mike continued working seven more years as Mine Examiner for Kerr McGee Mine in Galatia. Mike was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman with a great love for the outdoors. He especially enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s ball games. Funeral services for Mr. Stafko will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 18, 2014 at Vantrease Funeral Home in Zeigler with Brother Don Wright officiating. Burial with military honors courtesy of the Zeigler and Orient American Legions, the West Frankfort VFW and Marion National Guard Flag detail will be at Zeigler Cemetery. Visiting hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. p.m., Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Stafko are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc., 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959. Visit <https://us-mg6.mail.yahoo.com/neo/www.vantreasefuneralhome.com> www.vantreasefuneralhome.com for more information and to sign the online register book.