Obituary of Joseph Michael Shapaka

Joseph Michael Shapaka Jr. 72 of Louisa, Kentucky passed away January 22, 2023 at the Three Rivers Medical Center following a sudden illness.

Mike was born February 14, 1950 at Wheeling, West Virginia, the son of the late Joseph Michael Shapaka Sr. and Catherine Vossen Shapaka. In addition to his parents Mike is preceded in death by a son Kenny Shapaka.

Mike was Lawrence County Floodplain Coordinator, Lawrence County Surveyor 2019-2022, former Civil Engineer at Office of Surface Mining, Owner of Shapaka Engineering, Chief Engineer at Pontiki Coal Corp., Resident Engineer at U.S. Steel, Engineering Technician at U.S. Bureau of Mines, former Troop 152 Scout Master, Certified Scuba Diver, former Rotary President and member, member of St. Jude Catholic Church.

Mike studied Physics, Mathematics and Graphic Design at West Liberty State College, graduated from West Virginia State University in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering. He attended high school at Wheeling Central Catholic High School. Mike was a beloved member of the community, he was a man of many talents and skills, always eager to socialize and serve the people of Lawrence County. He enjoyed time with his wife Alma and exploring the outdoors. He never knew a stranger and would go out of his way to help anyone. He would always greet everyone with a smile no matter where he was. Mike was a loving husband and dad to eight children. He loved to tell dad jokes and was quite famous for being quick witted. Mike was beloved by everyone who knew him, and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community. Mike lived a life of honor and loyalty, loyal to his family, community, and his church. Mike cherished moments of teaching his grandchildren such things as learning how to ride a bike or fishing. Rest easy dad, we will see you again.

Survivors include his loving wife Alma Miller Shapaka; children Jerry Shapaka, Timothy Shapaka, Nancy Shapaka, Jon Shapaka, Benjamin Shapaka, Danny Shapaka, and Donnie Shapaka; siblings Bruce Shapaka, Thom Shapaka, Jack Shapaka, Mary May, Cathy Shapaka, and Janet Mossgrove; 21 Grandchildren; and a Great Granddaughter.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday January 28th at 11:00 am at the Saint Jude Catholic Church Louisa, Kentucky with Father Mike Ramler and Rev. Dan Smith. Burial will follow in the Pinehill Cemetery Louisa, Kentucky. Friends may visit the family on Friday January 27th from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Saint Jude Catholic Church.

Care for Mike and his family has been entrusted to our family at Wilson Funeral Home.