Richard Robert Sajdak

Richard Robert Sajdak Sr. ex-husband, father, grandfather, and frienddied peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 in Frederic, MI. He was 81. Rich was born in Dearborn, MI on February 24, 1933, to Mary and Barney Sajdak, the second of three boys. He graduated from Frederic HIgh School in 1951, then enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served the United States proudly during the Korean War and was awarded two medals of honor upon his discharge. He married Patricia "Patti" Davis in 1964. The Sajdaks made their home in Frederic, where his parents, Mary and Barney Sajdak, owned and operated the Ausable Hotel "The Swamp." He worked for Bear Archery in Grayling, MI, and later at AuSable Manistee Realty in Grayling, MI. Patti raised their two children, Lisa Marie and Richard Robert Jr, while helping to run her family's business, Davis Grocery in Frederic, MI. Rich liked to spend time with his friends, kids and grandchildren. He was known to "tell a good story." In his younger years, he enjoyed snowmobiling with friends and family, as well as good round of golf with his close friend Bill Moody. In his later years, he treasured time spent with his son and his passions with dirt bikes, boats, cars, trucks and snowmobiles. He made regular trips to see his daughter and grandchildren in WI, and cherished the Summers and Christmases of each year when we all would be gathered together once again. He was proud of his children, and even prouder of his grandchildren - they made his heart happy. Rich is survived by his daughter Lisa Sajdak (Radebaugh) of Lake Mills, WI; his son, Rich Sajdak Jr. and his wife Jodie (Christman) Sajdak of Grayling, MI; three grandchildren, Victoria Patricia Radebaugh, Dane Preston Radebaugh and Emily Monet Sajdak; and his brother, Clement Sajdak of Frederic, MI. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Barney Sajdak; and his brother, Bernie Sajdak. Rich's immediate family held an intimate family ceremony following his passing, and a memorial will take place at a later date where his family hopes that we all - friends and family - can celebrate his life with laughter and fond memories. And, it is at this time of the year, the Holidays, where we are all gathered together again, to cherish him and each other - he's happily looking down on us, and is at peace. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Robert Sajdak, please visit our flower store.