Mikhael K. Pius, 83, of Modesto passed away on Jan. 9, 2011 in Modesto.

He was born on March 19, 1927, in Meenascamp, Iraq. He was a video store owner for eight years and a member of St. Thomas Assyrian Chaldean Catholic Church of Turlock. He enjoyed writing.

He is survived by son, Joe M. Pius of Modesto; daughter, Lilly Pius Thomas of Ripon; brothers, Basil Pius and Michael Pius, both of Miles City, Mont.; sisters, Christina George of Sweden and Nina Lazar of Denair; grandchildren, Freddy Thomas, Lynne Thomas, Emile Thomas and Peter Thomas, all of Ripon; and great grandchild, Daymion Rosado of Ripon.

He was preceded in death by wife, Blandina Pius on Jan. 2, 2001.

A  Mass is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 14 at St. Thomas Assyrian Chaldean Catholic Church, 2901 N. Berkeley Ave., Turlock. It will be officiated by Father Kamal Bidawid. Burial will be at Turlock Memorial Park.

Services are under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service of Turlock, www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com.