John Stanley Michalski

John Stanley Michalski, Sr. passed away on his 96th birthday. Born in Winona, Michigan to Stanley and Stella Michalski. He was preceded in death by Doris Marie his wife of fifty-eight years. Survived by his children, Sandra Reyna; John Michalski, Jr. (Angela); Nick; A loving grandfather of five grandchildren; five great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; sister, Helen Szleszinski (Ziggy); and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his siblings, Kathryn, Peter, Walter, Frankie and Antona. As a young man, after working on his family farm in Wisconsin, John moved to California. In California he worked on the Lexington Dam and CC Camps. Along the way he took up boxing and became a prizefighter. John moved back to Cleveland, Ohio where he met and married Doris Luciano in 1943, working for her father’s family business. In 1950-1960 John moved back to California to manage the Original Tower Bar, the Old Fashion Saloon and three liquor stores. He owned Johnny’s Inn (aka Patty’s Inn) in San Jose, California. In 1960-1970 he owned the Buccaneer Lodge in Sunnyvale, California. In 1972 he moved to Tehama County, California and managed the Fireside Inn and Motel in Los Molinos, California and in 1990 retired on his ranch. John had a keen historical memory and a great sense of humor. He loved sharing stories from way back with his family and friends. He was a very sociable guy. An active Life Member of the San Jose, Sunnyvale and Red Bluff Elks for 58 years; SIRS Club; and an active Member of the Loyal Order of Moose and Legion of the Moose over fifty years in San Jose, Red Bluff, and Orland. Private Family Services to follow. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of John Stanley Michalski Sr., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.