Wayne A. Bacik Obituary
WAYNE ANDREW BACIK, 73, entered into his eternal rest with his Lord, surrounded by his loved ones in Roscommon, Michigan on Wednesday, May 14 2025. Devoted husband to Janice Marie Bacik (nee Kovar). Proud and loving father to Dr. Tracy Marie Brausa (Dr. Brian), Todd Jonathan "T.J." (Maria), and Andrew Jonathan (Benjamin). Wayne treasured to be known as both "Papa" and "Grampy" to his beloved grandchildren, Brooke, Brianna, Jayden, and Brynlee. Cherished brother of Rev. Leonard M. Bacik, Robert Bacik (Paula), Karen Synek (Steve), and Darlene Bahnij (Jerry), and loving nephew of Bernard Hanzel (June).
Wayne is preceded in death by his beloved father and mother, John Leonard & Susan Irene Bacik (nee Hanzel). Lifelong best friend of Dale N. Veverka. Wayne began his journey entering the world on a chilly Cleveland Christmas Day, 1951, a true Christmas blessing for his parents John and Susan. From an early age, his parents instilled in him and his siblings, their deep love for Roman Catholicism and the spirit of Jesus Christ. At school, Wayne developed a passion for sports, taking to baseball, basketball, and football well into his high school years at Benedictine High School.
His commitment to his faith, strong academics, and all-star sports career earned Wayne the prestigious title of Mr. Benedictine in 1970, a designation and tract record that led to Wayne's induction into the Benedictine Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. Wayne continued his academic and sports training at Hiram College. It was at this time he met his loving wife of over 50 years, Janice Marie Kovar, entering into the sacrament of holy matrimony in October 1974. Wayne began his 29+ year career at LTV Steel (formerly Republic Steel) as a cost analyst, his love of numbers earning him one of his most beloved terms of endearment: "COUNT.".
Wayne and Jan were blessed with the first of their three children, Tracy, in May of 1977, their first son Todd joining soon after in February of 1979. They were blessed with their third child, and second son, Andrew in April of 1991. Throughout his life, Wayne devoted his time and energies to coaching CYO football teams, catching some rays and cultivating an abundant garden every summer, and living life to the fullest with his "amigos," either out on the water scoring perch or kicking back among his tiki torches on his beloved porch, a shot and cold beer not too far out of reach.
Wayne was not without his share of struggles, undergoing two separate open heart procedures and ending his tenure at LTV/Republic Steel with its closure in 2001. Facing a crossroad late in life, Wayne found meaning and peace working as a custodian for St. Bartholomew Parish & Academy, but soon offered his years of accounting expertise to help his daughter, Dr. Tracy, and her husband, Dr. Brian, open up their successful podiatry clinic in Roscommon, MI. Although Wayne and Jan had to begin a new chapter late in life moving to Michigan, Wayne's personable attitude, infectious smile, and impeccable sense of humor were irresistible, and fast friends were made.
With life's highs came it's lows, with Jan suffering from a major stroke in 2008. Ever the devoted husband, Wayne exemplified his commitment to the bonds of holy matrimony by taking on full-time care-giving responsibilities as Jan began her long journey of recovery. After surviving cardiac arrest in 2018, Wayne shifted his energies to taking care of his health and finding joy in his interactions with family, neighbors, friends, and took time to volunteer and help transient youth. You were never a stranger when you met Wayne, and his generosity to his family, friends, and loved ones knew no limits.
Despite his declining health, he continued to commit himself to ensuring Jan's safety and care. He gave all that he had, and we will be forever grateful. A devoted Catholic his entire life, Wayne took comfort in the knowledge that he would be reunited with his mother and father, his family and friends past and present, in sharing in the kingdom of heaven. A private memorial service will be held by family, with a celebration of life to follow later this summer. In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of Wayne's lifelong commitment to improving the lives of the less fortunate, the family suggest a donation to the Wayne Bacik memorial fund at.
Jude Children's Research Hospital. Donations can be made online at https://fundraising.stjude.org or by reaching out to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
