Obituary: Michael Stats, Jr.

Michael Stats, Jr. 1917 ~ 2005 Michael Stats, Jr., beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 20, 2005. He was born January 18, 1917 in Robins, Ohio. His parents were Michael Stats and Ilona Smee. He married Gladys E. Hasty on July 7, 1940, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on November 21, 1963. He proudly served his country during World War II. He worked for the Bureau of Land Management for 40 years and retired as the manager of cartography (mapmaking) for the western United States. He received the Honor Award for Meritorious Service in 1978 from the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. He loved to golf and even after a stroke denied him the opportunity to get out on the course he continued to study the sport and avidly watched it on TV. He loved to travel with his wife and companion of 64 years. They had many memorable trips and cruises together including a visit to his parent's homeland of Slovakia. His favorite times were spent with his family who will dearly miss him. His quiet strength and integrity will forever be remembered. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many church callings including High Councilman and Bishop of the Douglas Ward. He is survived by his wife, Gladys; sons, Ken (Kathryn) Stats, Phil (Kathleen) Stats, Keith (deceased) (Jeannie) Stats; grandchildren, Deborah, Deanna, Denise, Eric, Matt, Jason, Josh, Jared, Ian, Callie, Kelly, Amanda and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon, Monday, April 25, at the Douglas Ward, 630 South 1200 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends may visit Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, and at the ward from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Mount Olivet Cemetery.