Deacon Michael Plefka, who was attached to the Elevation of the Holy Cross Church here, fell asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, surrounded by his wife Vicki and his entire family.
Born in Barberton, OH on February 13, 1951, the son of the late Joseph and Anna [Hlivka] Plefka, he and his family were members of Saint Nicholas Church, Mogadore [Akron], OH. He studied at Ohio University and the University of Akron Law School, from which he graduated in 1979.
Deacon Michael was attached to the Elevation of the Holy Cross Church for many years. Previously, he had served Assumption Serbian Orthodox Church, Fair Oaks, CA. He especially found joy sharing the faith with young people in parishes throughout the area and the Orthodox Christian Fellowship on the University of California Davis campus. He leaves behind many spiritual children and countless others who were warmed by his good-natured kindness and obvious love of the Church.
Deacon Michael is survived by his wife, Vicki; daughters Catherine and Elena Plefka; and son Alex Plefka. He is also survived by sisters Mary Anne Plefka-Weir [Rev. William] of Sacramento, CA, and Teresa Plefka-Petroski [James] of Akron, OH; nephews Nicholas and Alex Petroski; and numerous godchildren and other relatives. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Joseph.
On Saturday, February 16, a Trisagion will be celebrated at Assumption Serbian Orthodox Church, Fair Oaks, at 7:00 p.m. On Sunday, February 17, a Panikhida will be celebrated at the Elevation of the Holy Cross Church, 9000 Jackson Rd., Sacramento, at 5:00 p.m. The Funeral will be celebrated on Monday, February 18, at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment at the Russian Cemetery, Sacramento. A reception will follow at the church.
May Deacon Michael’s memory be eternal!
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