Michael Sulak

Michael George Sulak passed away peacefully at his home at Bethel Retirement Community, on February 20th, after a full and long life at the age of 91(and a half). He was born on September 5, 1926 in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia to Hungarian parents, Michael and Helena. He was the eldest of three children who grew up during the incredibly difficult times of World War II in Budapest, Hungary. He would often tell stories about scavenging for food while seeking shelter in and along the Danube River, as bombing and tank battles raged throughout the city.
After the Second World War, Michael studied oral medicine and dental technology, but before he could complete his studies, there was the Hungarian uprising against the Communists in 1956. At this time, he fled Hungary becoming a war refugee. He traveled throughout Western Europe and ended up in Canada, working as a dental lab technician. It was at this time that he met and married his first wife, Rosemary Desjardins. The couple, along with their first son, Michael Jr., immigrated to the United States, where Michael had a job secured as a certified dental lab technician in San Francisco, and then in Sacramento. Soon afterwards, their second son, John, was born and the family moved to Modesto in 1964.
With a lot of hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit as a naturalized US citizen, Michael soon opened his own dental lab in McHenry Village, known as Village Dental Laboratory. He was proud to have served the dental community, making dentures for the patients of many Modesto-area dentists. His many colleagues became close friends, where they shared the love of hunting, fishing, poker playing, wine making, and large family and friend get-togethers, where he showcased his talent for gourmet cooking.
In 1982, Michael met and married his second wife, Sarah Jane Paradis. They were married for 34 years; during which time, they shared a passion for community service, travel, family, and friends. Michael was a long-time member of Modesto Rotary, where he enjoyed going on mission trips to help an orphanage in Santa Marta, Mexico.
As Michael worked long into his career, he found many new activities that he was passionate about. He loved golfing at Oakdale Country Club, and later, at Muni. Golf Course. The center of his universe became his grandchildren, where he took great pleasure and joy in spending time with them at every opportunity. 
Michael retired from his Village Dental Laboratory business at the age of 80. He continued spending time at Escalon Sportsmen's Club and Old Fishermen's Club, playing golf and poker with his friends, and doting on his beloved grandchildren.
Michael is preceded in death by his second wife, Sarah Jane Paradis, and his sister, Ibolya Koltai. He is survived by his brother, Istvan Sulak of Budapest, Hungary; first wife, Rosemary Desjardins; son, Michael Jr. (Heidi) of Ferndale, WA.; son, John (Crystal) of Modesto; stepson, Stephen Ewert (Jill); step-granddaughter, Sierra; and grandchildren: Emily, Mikaela, Hannah, Zachary, and Aidan.
A remembrance service will be held at Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel, 1050 McHenry Avenue, Modesto on Saturday, March 24th at 3pm. A Celebration of Life will be held afterwards.