Harold “Tike” Walter Golnick, age 92, of Grayling, MI passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on February 20, 2023.
Tike was born to William and Ruth (Lovely) Golnick on October 21, 1930 in Grayling, MI. On Friday, August 13, 1948, Tike enlisted into the United States Army. He went to basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. In November of 1948, he was shipped off to Japan, where he was put on Occupational Duty. On June 26, 1950, maneuvers got called and he was shipped to Korea. On July 5, 1950, he started to serve the 24th Division in the Korean War. He served until May of 1951 and earned a bronze star. Tike joined the Michigan National Guard in November 1961 and started working at M.A.T.E.S (Maneuver and Training Equipment Site) and continued working there for 29 years and retired in 1990. He started as a Private First Class and retired as Command Sergeant Major. He enjoyed his military work and was a very patriotic man, having served as a past American Legion Post Commander. He cherished his work for many years as a Crawford County Commissioner and was also on the county assessor board.
Tike married Sally Bishaw on August 1, 1953 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grayling, where they still attend today. Since they were married, they were inseparable. They have had 5 children together, leading to 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. They built an amazing life together, and were by each other’s side through thick and thin.
Some of Tike’s favorite moments include the day he got married, the birth of all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He has gotten to watch all of his children marry, attend many, many birthday parties, and celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with most of his family every year. Tike enjoyed watching and attending his Detroit Lions and Tigers games. His favorite thing to do was spend time with the people he loves, and he was always inviting people over to visit, even if it was just for a few minutes! Tike said, “My life started out like Hell, but it turned around to be the best life I could have ever had.”
Tike will be missed dearly by his wife of 69 years Sally Golnick; children Julie Golnick, Christopher (Linda) Golnick, Sharon (Rodney) Adkison, and Kathee (Mark) Lamberies; grandchildren Jamie(Paul) Snyder, David (Modestina) Golnick, Sarah Golnick, William (Heaven) Golnick, and Sydnee (Elijah) Weber; great-grandchildren Brittanie Snyder, Paul Snyder Jr, Beck Golnick, Modestina Golnick, and Bohdi Golnick; sister Dolores “Butch” Feldhauser, brother Karl Golnick, goddaughter Penny Holzman, and friend Tom Kley, along with many relatives and friends.
Tike was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Gerry McGaffigan, Bob Golnick, Fritz Golnick, Buno Golnick, and Floyd Golnick, and his daughter, Therese Kaiser.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, March 4, 2023, 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Grayling, MI with Father Jerry Hunko officiating. Visitation will begin before mass at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in the spring.
In memory of Tike, donations can be made to the American Legion Post 106 in Grayling and/or to Compassus Hospice. Condolences can be shared with Tike’s family at www.sorensonlockwood.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.
