Jerome "Tim" Timothy Oleksik

Jerome Timothy “Tim” Oleksik was called home by the Lord on May 30, 2014. He is survived by his beloved wife, Josette; three loving daughters, Darlene Oleksik, Andrea (Brian) Zelinski and Michele (Wade) Luther; his two dear step-sons, Zachary and Ezekiel Kutchin and three loving grandchildren, Ashley, Blake and Wyatt Luther. He is also survived by his older siblings, Joan Bailey and Jim Oleksik. He has joined his parents, Josephine and John Oleksik, who were waiting to welcome him into Heaven. His three daughters were his pride and joy. He had crazy nicknames for them all. They loved tickle fights, people piles and 1-2-3-Carumba - being tossed in the air and dropped on the bed. The giggles were endless. However, you were quick to get out of bed or Dad’s chair or suffer the fate of the “Spock shocker” or “Itty Bitty Mousy & Big Fat Elephant.” He was blessed, proud and thrilled to walk two of his daughters down the aisle and blessed three times over with a granddaughter and two grandsons. He reveled in his new job - “Grampa Tim” - even waiting outside the hospital room door until he heard his first grandchild’s cries, making certain both his baby girl and her baby girl were OK. Tim’s first daughter, the one he called his “career girl,” had regular evening phone calls during her commute home or on business travel. Even though she is grown and a professional business person, the “Daddy” in Tim still insisted she call each time she traveled - before she left and when she arrived at her destination. Each call would end with their special sign off “Love Ya Too Much and Smell Ya Later!” Tim and Josi married in 2000. After a few years of asking, he finally won the heart of his bride. This union included the addition of Josi’s two sons to the family. Tim was blessed with boys to teach and love. He was thrilled to share any and all information he could with Zack and Zeke as he himself wasn’t able to share that with his own father. From hunting, fishing and shooting to learning the tips and tricks of Mr. Fixit as well as how to properly polish your dress shoes, “Timmy” as the boys called him, did his best to share with them his knowledge, humor and love. Always the sharp business man and entrepreneur, Tim had many successful business ventures. The only person he ever worked directly for was his mother, Josephine. He took over the family electroplating business with his brother when they were of age after she ran it successfully for many years after the untimely passing of his father at age 48 when Tim was only 6. When he “retired” from the family business, he ventured into agriculture with the acquisition of property in mid-Michigan and the development of a commercial hog farm. For 8 years, he and Josi along with the boys lived and worked on the farm producing hogs for commercial sale and for breeding stock for use around the country. Additionally, they farmed commercial grade corn, soy and black beans. Tim was not just a farmer, but took on the role of legislator as well. He was President of the Isabella County Farm Bureau. He and Josi were on the Legislative committee and lobbied in both Lansing and Washington DC. He was an amazing cook and shared that passion and the fruits of his labor with everyone through the years. He cooked for family gatherings, deer camp hunting trips, pig roasts, neighborhood block parties, church fish frys and bingo nights. When he did, each event turned into what felt like a family occasion for those who were there. Proud of his Polish heritage, he was infamous for his homemade sausage which became a family tradition. Tim was famous for shopping in bulk even before the big box stores were around. It was impossible for him to create a meal for two. Many family members and friends who became family were recipients of surprise vats of potato salad, chicken foot soup (a Timmy specialty) or some other fabulous entrée where he cooked an amount to feed a small army. Tim worked hard and played hard. He was known as the “Big Guy” with a heart and smile to match. For many friends and family members, he was “the” person to call for advice of all kinds and lend a helping hand – whatever was needed. From “1-800-golabki” providing long distance cooking help to his daughter or to being the neighborhood “911” when assistance was needed with a toppled Christmas tree, minor injury triage, working the onion booth at the church fair or delivering food for St. Vincent de Paul. All you had to do was ask and Tim was there ready to help. He was generous to a fault and spent many years working with friends and family on many charitable activities. Tim was a director of the main fundraiser golf outing for Kolo Charities and their main charity, The Leaders Dogs for the Blind, founded by his dear late friend, Bob Kowalkowski. Tim was an active member of the Alhambra for many years in Michigan. He then joined the Knights of Columbus upon his move to Merritt Island, FL. Tim was definitely “Mr. Fixit” as he seemed to be an endless source of information and could fix just about anything. This was due in large part to his extensive knowledge but also due to the fact he had just about every tool and gadget under sun with some doubles just to be safe. Tim was quite the “fashionista.” He has his own smaller version of the “Men’s Warehouse” taking up a few closets in his home. His mother set high standards for her sons on how to dress properly and Tim never let those standards fall. When it came to ushering at church and formal occasions, he raised the bar on being dapper. Tim has more watches and cufflinks than most women have shoes and jewelry. He prided himself on always being “presentable” but took that to a new level. Though they were only married for 14 years, Tim and Josi’s marriage was full of more ups and downs, happiness and heartbreak, love and laughter than many that span double or triple the years. They were truly best friends and enjoyed each other’s company. In recent years, they spent their summers traveling to visit friends and family scattered throughout Michigan (where they were both originally from) and the east coast. They did their travelling in a well-appointed motor home with a nice galley kitchen which Tim stocked with spices and utensils that were up to his gourmet standards. Much to Tim’s dismay, Josi re-enacted the movie “The Long, Long Trailer” by collecting a unique stone from each stop while Tim complained that he was losing gas mileage and hauling rocks around the country. Their love for each other was tested many times over, but grew stronger every day. In Tim’s 69 years, he made an indelible mark on this world and all he came in contact with. He was as strong and determined as he was kind and compassionate. This strength of will and faith is what helped him fight cancer 7 times during his life. He faced down every diagnosis and treatment. He was the patient everyone looked forward to seeing because he brought inspiration and support to all with his antics and good humor even when he was hurting. He came through each bout a little rough but feeling blessed to still be here. Though cancer has taken Tim from us physically, he will always be with us in spirit and in the wonderful memories we all share. He will expect each of us to do our part in keeping his legacy of faith, service, love and friendship alive in this world. Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI will begin on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be at Rose City Cemetery. The luncheon will follow at Trinity United Methodist Family Center in Rose City, MI. Father Patrick Maher will officiate.