Dec. 8, 1961 - Oct. 12, 2012

EDWARDSBURG, Mich. - Jack Kelly Mathiak, 50, of Edwardsburg, was found passed away in his residence Friday morning, Oct. 12, 2012, from an apparent heart attack.

He was born in Battle Creek on Dec. 8, 1961, to George A. and Julia B. (Spalla) Mathiak. They precede him in death along with a brother, Arthur.

Surviving are his brothers, Phillip J. "Phil" (Janet) Mathiak of Bristol, George C. Mathiak of Elkhart, Ind., Richard D. "Rick" (Julia) Mathiak of Battle Creek, William David P. "Bill" (Donna) Mathiak of Sterling Heights and Robert L. Mathiak of Three Rivers; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, followed by a 5 p.m. celebration of Jack's life at Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart. Pastor Gary Sheets will officiate.

Cremation will follow the services with burial taking place at a later date in Kalamazoo.

Jack was a welder-assembler at Elkhart Brass for nearly 17 years.

He was an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and a devout NASCAR fan who enjoyed watching No. 14 Tony Stewart.

He also liked to travel, ride his snowmobile in the winter and watch the Michigan Wolverines play football.

He will be best remembered for his easy-going demeanor, carefree nature and his ability to make friends with just about anyone he met.

Memorial donations may be given to American Diabetes Association, 30 North Michigan Ave., Suite 2015, Chicago, IL 60602. Online condolences may be sent at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Ed and Glenda Erskin, South Bend, IN We are so sorry to hear of Jack's passing so late - not until Christmas. He rented our little house in Osceola for so many years. We so appreciated him and heard only a few of his stories. We has a Battle Creek connection with him since we had lived there in the early 1960s. We wish we had known him better. Ed and Glenda Erskin, South Bend, In

Brad & Janet Strycker, Edwardsburg, MI Jack was a wonderful neighbor, always helping others by working on cars, or mowing a lawn. He will be greatly missed. God Bless.

Jon LaRocque, Elkhart, IN Mad Jack where has the time gone ?...One good story that comes to mind is when you bought my Mom's old Delta 88 that huge big green monster of a car ..You drove that beast till ya got a cool smaller one later ...I remember you pickin it up and givin Mom a Hug and thanked her for a good deal !!! I hope she met you when you left this world....Ya always had a smile for everybody and would help anyone who asked ! I really wished we coulda rode more than we did ,,,,You will be missed dearly and won't be the same without you sir till we meet again ,,,,God Bless you and your family !!!

Karen Masker, Battle Creek, MI Jack, You will be dearly missed by all of your Michigan friends and family. Ride on & free dear friend...till we meet again.

Lisa Falzone, Fort Myers, FL I worked at Elkhart Brass yrs ago and I remember when walking thru the plant we'd always pass by Jack's work station and he always had a smile for you and wanted to talk. It's a shame he had to depart earth so soon, but there's a special place in heaven for him. R.I.P. Jack

Mike Russey, Elkhart, IN Jack, You have taught me how to be a better friend. You really listened to people and truly cared what they had to say, giving a helping hand. Be at peace and know you are loved. Until we see each other again. Ride free forever my friend.

Leslee Smith, Elkhart, IN Jack, I will miss your laugh, your smile, and your warm and caring personality. You touched so many lives and you have left a great void in all of our hearts! Thank you for your friendship and for always caring about others. The light you brought to the world and those around you will never burn out.....it will shine down upon us forever! Rest well my friend. This is not goodbye...it's just until we meet again.

Sue Simon, Elkhart, IN My dear friend Jack. You left us way too soon. I will miss you terribly. I know you will find peace and comfort in Gods arms. May God rest your soul. I Love You.