Ervin A. Kazik, Jr.

KAZIK, ERVIN A. JR Passed away peacefully on April 17, 2012 at the age of 75. Survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara; cherished father of Danielle (Paul) Baerwald and the late Candace Lynn Kazik;proud grandpa of Joshua and Justin; beloved son of Ervin A Kazik Sr. and the late Eleanor Marie (nee Widger). He is also survived by his favorite cousin Claire, many other cousins and their families and many dear friends. Erv worked at many bars in Milwaukee, starting with Snyder's downtown and including a long stint at DeSalvo's in Cudahy. He always wanted to own his own bar. In 1979 he was working at the Oak Chalet in Oak Creek (where the Walgreens is now), when the Dispatch House became available. It had been the original O.C. Volunteer Fire Dept. and "what a dump". But, he had a vision. - A bar with a grill behind it that served burgers during the week and closed on weekends. On Saturday mornings, he & his buddies all gathered to play cribbage. As many know - that vision didn't last long. Friends wanted more food, especially a fish fry. And customers wanted someplace to go on weekends. So, he opened on Saturday nights. But, he stayed true to two things. He never opened on Sundays or Holidays. Not even New Year's Eve or Mother's Day - the two biggest restaurant days of the year. He wanted his employees to have that time off with their families. We spent 25 years trying to make Erv's a better place - time in Chicago looking for new trends and ideas, and, of course, decorations. In 2004, he handed his vision over to his daughter, who had a few visions of her own. But he still came in every day to help set up the bar, eat Tootsie Rolls and make sure the employees all showed up. His name will always be on the door and forever in our hearts. Erv was an avid reader and dearly loved his dog, Oreo. He loved feeding the birds, squirrels, chippies and bunnies. Memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at St Alphonsus Catholic Church, at 2 pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at Erv's Mug from 3:30 to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Restaurant Assn. Education Foundation - Erv's Mug Scholarship Fund or the Sisters of St Francis of Assisi are appreciated.