Michael Steven Motyka

Michael was born in 1947 of Polish/American parents, Joseph and Stephanie “Stevie” Motyka. His memories were plentiful growing up among numerous cousins and especially of his sisters, Karla and Andra. He also loved talking about living on his immigrant grandparents’ farm in Three Oaks, MI, when he was a young child. His grandparents had fled Poland as persecutions were making life very difficult, and they settled in Canada, moving to the United States in order to create a better life and future. With joy & pride, Michael attended Marmion Military Academy in Illinois during his freshman and sophomore years and aspired to a lifetime career in the Army, following in the “services” tradition of his father’s family, until an accident occurred during his boxing in the “Golden Gloves” competition at Marmion, which left him permanently deaf in one ear. Sadly, his dream of an “army” life had ended before it began. Michael graduated high school from Three Oaks High in Michigan and was a beloved basketball star, cheered on as “Motz”! Michael went on to attend Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor/St. Joe for his Associates Degree in Purchasing/Materials Management, and was a founding member of his fraternity, Beta Epsilon Iota. Widely respected in his field of purchasing management for 40 years, he served as President of the Midwest Purchasing Association for two terms and was documented in Who’s Who in the Midwest for 1980 & 81 and again in Who’s Who in the South and Southwest for 1983. Michael was married to the former Mary Wright in 1968, and they subsequently welcomed 2 children, Michelle (Shelly) and Marla, dearly loved daughters. In 1997, Michael married Ruth “Iris” Greenwalt in Lexington, KY, and happily became step-father to Iris’s two sons, Darren Taylor & Tristan Heath Greenwalt. His family of very special people was increased. Michael retired in 2007 from Shelby Industries Kentucky and he & Iris then moved to Beaufort, South Carolina. He kept in contact and enjoyed his four children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. In 2014, Michael and Iris moved to the retirement community of Sun City-in Hilton Head, SC, and continued his life-long passion of celebrating and supporting the heroes who fight for world peace and freedom. Michael was the voice of reason, and he touched many, many people with his wisdom and devotion throughout his 69 years. We have loved you then, and we love you now! Rest with the Angels, 1947-2016.