MUSKEGON, Mich. – A Muskegon man is giving his wife the gift of retirement after winning $1 million from the Michigan Lottery playing Mega Millions.
Paul Kuharevicz, 56, matched the five white balls -- 09-17-25-63-71 -- that were selected in Friday's drawing to win a $1 million prize. He bought his winning ticket at Ladd's and Co., located at 4230 Henry Street in Muskegon.
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"I was on my way home from a business trip and my flight out of O'Hare was canceled, so I rented a car and drove home," Kuharevicz said. "When I got home, I realized I had left my bike at work and went to pick it up. On my way there, I stopped at Ladd’s and bought a ticket.
"The next morning, my son sent me a text and told me to check my ticket because someone had won $1 million on a ticket bought at Ladd’s."
As soon as he realized he was the big winner, Kuharevicz knew he had to make good on a promise he’d made to his wife.
"I've always told my wife if I win the lottery then she can retire," Kuharevicz said. "She's been a teacher for 28 years, but next year will be her last year teaching."
Kuharevicz visited lottery headquarters Wednesday to claim his prize. With his winnings, he plans to pay off his home, buy a new bicycle and invest the remainder.
"Winning is an amazing feeling. God has given me so much," Kuharevicz said.