Michael Alex Prestash

Michael Alex Prestash, 56, of Lower Alsace Township, peacefully went to his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ on the eve of September 16, 2013 in The Reading Hospital and Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Born February 4, 1957 in Reading, he was the beloved son of Halina Marie (Rutkiewicz) Prestash of Lower Alsace Township and the late John Robert Prestash.

He was employed for many years as a truck driver, last working for Acme Foods and where he deservingly received many safe driver awards. He was also self-employed as a scrap, ginseng root and antique dealer; a master hobbyist.

He was a US Army Veteran, having served in Germany for two years.

Michael was "at one" with nature, loved the woods, hunting, fishing and trapping; a true environmentalist and naturalist.

Above all, he was a born again Christian and member of Zion-Spies Church. He participated in missionary work in Alaska; volunteered for Meals on Wheels and supported Feed the Children. Mike fed the hungry when he could and found shelter for the homeless if it was possible.

Many holidays at his home were shared with people who were needy; he humbly opened his heart, time and home to anyone that was less fortunate.

Surviving are his three loving children, Amanda S. Prestash, fiancée of Enzio Colodonato of Narvon; Melissa M. Prestash, fiancée of Richard O'Reilly of Schuylkill County and David M. Prestash of Lower Alsace Township and his legacy of love and compassion will continue through them.

He is also survived by six grandchildren: Odin Keith, Damian Prestash, Athena Prestash, Angelina Prestash, Caesar Prestash and Abaddon O'Reilly; all of whom he cherished.

Other survivors include his loving sister and best friend, Yvonne M. Lis of Fleetwood, his brother, Steven R. Prestash of Ledville, CO and his niece, Susan Schucker.

Extremely well liked by everyone he met, he will not be forgotten and will be forever in our hearts.

Services will be Friday at 1:00 pm in Kuhn-Stitzel Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. A viewing will be held Friday from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm in the funeral home. Burial will be private in Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery, Cumru Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Hope Rescue Mission, 654 N. Sixth St., Reading, PA 19601. For online condolences, visit www.kuhnstitzelfuneralhomes.com.