Emil "Mike" Kreshka's Obituary
Emil “Mike” Kreshka, age 100, passed away in his home in his sleep on March 4, 2019. He was born October 12, 1918 in Hamilton Ontario, Canada. His father was a Russian Missionary to Canada in the Russian Orthodox faith at the time. The family then moved to Bethlehem, PA where he grew up. Mike loved baseball and was drafted from high school to play in the Athletics system; before and after World War II where he served and survived the Battle of the Bulge. After an injury ended his baseball career, he attended University of Florida and Indiana University, graduating there with a degree in physical education. During college he worked with area Boys Clubs of America in Seymour, Indiana and then made a career in that field. He was involved in the creation of the first boys club in Seymour, Indiana. He then moved on to Gainesville and revitalized the boys club system there which led to his eventual involvement in the Jacksonville Boys Clubs. He became the executive director and built 5 more Boys Clubs in the Jacksonville area. He married Betty Baxley in 1978 and loved her until her death in 2011. Mike loved God and his church. He and Betty were members of St. John’s Cathedral while living in Jacksonville. After retirement, they were active members of Trinity Episcopal Church of Melrose, FL. Emil then returned to St. John’s Cathedral these last three years. He leaves behind a stepson John Baxley and niece Beth McClarin as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His last surviving brother George Kreshka lives in California. He will be greatly missed by everyone including his loving niece Joan Deyo who cared for him in the final years of his life. His memorial service will be at St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville on Saturday April 6 at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida. https://www.bgcnf.org/donate-1-1 or The St. John’s Cathedral fund, Love at the Core https://www.jaxcathedral.org/our-neighbors/.
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