Alumni Spotlight

Mike Wasik Class of 1991

When Mike Wasik graduated from De La Salle in 1991, he had no plans to join the family funeral business. Some 20 years later, he not only manages the Wasik Funeral Home location in Shelby Township, he is a past president of the Michigan Funeral Directors’ Association. For someone who went into sales after college, it’s a dramatic change. Mike attended Albion College, majoring in Business. “I liked Albion because it’s a smaller school, and it has an outstanding business program.” He also picked up some classes in biology and chemistry along the way. After graduation, he pursued a sales career, but didn’t care for the commission lifestyle. “It was a drag.” About the same time Mike was tiring of sales, in 2000, his father and uncle had decided to expand the family business into Shelby Township, at 22 Mile Rd. and Schoenherr. “I’m glad I made the move. My dad needed the help. He’s now 77, and slowing down. He only works six days a week,” joked Mike. Mike went back to school, earning his mortuary science degree from Wayne State in 2003. “With my biology and chemistry credits from Albion, along with a heavy course load, I was able to finish the degree in a little less time than most.” The Wayne State program, which used to be a two-year certification, is now a bachelor’s program. Like many funeral homes in the Detroit area, the Wasik Funeral Home business has been passed down from one generation to the next. The first location was opened by Mike’s great-grandfather, in 1904, on Dubois and Medbury, in the Poletown area of Detroit, across from St. Stanislaus Church. The next location was on Seven Mile Rd., between Hoover and Schoenherr, from 1965 to 1990. “We bought the funeral home on 13 Mile and Hoover from an existing family in 1989, and transitioned it to

Education is the most important thing you can put in your back pocket.

the Wasik Funeral Home in 1990.” Besides Mike and his father, Mike’s sister and two cousins are also in the business. His uncle passed away this past summer, which Mike says “was a huge loss.” The two homes employ approximately 30 people. Mike loves his job. “It’s an honor to be here. You think about how it goes down. Here are people going through the worst experience they can have, and I’m the first one they call. I know I help people every day. That’s something not everyone can say.” He likens his role to that of a psychologist. “I listen a lot. The technical part of the job - the embalming - that’s only a small portion of the time. I listen to what the family has to say and help them focus on what they want for the service.” Mike also likens his job to an “event planner.” “I tell people this is like planning a wedding, but we’ve only got a couple days to pull this together. I help the family get to where they need to be. Arrange for flowers. Arrange for the service. Arrange for the reception.

Mike and Alissa Wasik and their daughters at Boyne Mountain in August 2014

“Every funeral is different. Whatever gives families comfort and solace, I’ve probably got someone in my rolodex to make that happen. Someone wanted a special panel embroidered to bury with their loved one. Sometimes people want a dove or balloon release. I’ve added golf clubs and golf balls to the casket. One time, a family wanted a flashlight added because they said their dad was afraid of the dark.” “There is nothing worse than burying kids. The only consolation is knowing that you are helping.” Mike notes that Wasik’s was one of the first funeral homes in the area to have an online guest book, and they have incorporated equipment into their buildings for photo slide shows. “Our clients can bring in videos they’ve made themselves, or bring us the pictures, and we’ll take care of it for them.”

Mike Wasik

In the funeral business, there are no “casual Fridays.” Mike notes, “I have 18 suits in my rotation. I love my suits!” Mike says the most satisfying part of the job is that “the scenery changes. I’m not the kind of guy to sit in a cubicle. And at the end of the day, I’ve helped people. I help them get to the place they need to be, or at least on the first step along that path.” Mike is active in the Michigan Funeral Directors’ Association (MFDA). “The MFDA pushes for legislation which enhances consumer protection. People have read about consumer fraud at funeral homes. Money gone missing. That kind of stuff gives the whole industry a black eye.” Mike notes that funeral homes can’t own a cemetery. “That would limit the customers’ choices. It makes sense.” Mike began grade school at St. Raymond’s, in Detroit. His family moved during fifth grade, and he finished grade school at St. Lawrence, before heading to De La Salle. “I had been in Catholic grade schools all the way through, and I wasn’t looking for a big school environment.” In high school, Mike was active in the Music program, and played trumpet in the band. “I mostly played all brass, although I haven’t played in years.” Mike has many memorable experiences from DLS, and maintains many close friendships with his 1991 classmates. “I had many memorable teachers, too. I could tell a story about every one of them.” Mike married in 2001, and his wife, Alissa, teaches in the Clarkston Public Schools. They live in Shelby Township, not far from Mike’s job, and have two daughters. In 2012, Mike became involved with the Christian Brothers’ Dinner Committee. “Our CPA, Mike Ringler, had a son at DLS, and said he was looking for volunteers. I’m happy to be involved. It’s a great experience, and I’m giving back. Education is the most important thing you can put in your back pocket. I know it’s difficult for schools to move forward. Expenses go up, and volunteers need to be in the front seat. I’ll do anything for DLS, Albion, WSU that I can financially and with my time.”