John Clyde Verlac of Hale, passed away surrounded by his family and dear friends July 9th 2023 at the age of 68. He had enjoyed a day with friends and family and the clouds lifted and he was suddenly ushered into heaven. He was born to Vida Mae and John Verlac on September 10, 1954 in Omer Michigan and was raised in Whittemore where he graduated in 1972 and had lifelong friends. After graduation he moved to Tawas and worked as a machinist for Valcraft and after was self-employed until his retirement. John also had lifelong buddies from the “shop” and continued those friendships long after retirement.
John loved the outdoors and anything to do with nature. Hunting, fishing, picking morels, asparagus, bonfires, camping and watching the deer and birds. He would spend hours with his family “cruising the back roads” looking at deer and the beauty of nature. He was a master at making models and crafted beautiful model airplanes and was an expert on all things involving the history of WWII and pilots. John was an excellent archer and belonged to the local archery club when he was a young man and hunted proficiently with his bow for many years. He liked to travel with his family and friends and had some great times doing that in his life, and he always made it an adventure. He was a great storyteller and loved dirty jokes and shared many parties, laughs and good times with friends and family. John fought cancer twice and was a survivor and had been a tough and strong individual with a stubborn streak to keep him fighting through all his challenges. He loved a good meal and the Holidays with family and friends. He was special to many people and was a father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, God father and best friend to many.
John was preceded in death by his parents, grandchildren Hannah Sleesman and Timothy Guoan and many dear relatives and friends.
He is survived by his children John Verlac, Jessica Guoan (Dean), both of Hale, Julie Schaaf, (Jason)Romulous. Grandchildren, Elise McKenzie (Scott), Kyle Nelkie (Brynn), Jason Guoan, Karlee Nelkie (James), Jeffery Guoan (Bailey) and Colin Schaff. Great grandchildren Maya Gibson, Royce Gibson, and Josie Bailey and baby Gibson, Elizabeth Borowski of East Tawas and Brenda Bullock- Verlac of Augres the mothers of his children, his brother Bob Carrick of East Tawas and extended family along with many close friends he considered family.
John also leaves behind his special basset hounds Gracie and Otis and cats Sasha and Tink.
A private celebration of life is being planned next month at Gateway Park in Tawas City. Memorial contributions can be made to his family. An online guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com to share memories, condolences, and photos of John.
