Tim James Kalishek

Tim James Kalishek, age 67, of Gladstone passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday, July 28, 2025 following a brief battle with cancer.

Tim was born June 12, 1958 in Escanaba, the son of William "Jim" and Flo (Couillard) Kalishek. He was united in marriage to Patricia Harkins on December 15, 2006. He and Patty spent almost 20 beautiful years of marriage together. Tim was and still is loved by all that knew him. His infectious laugh and happy heart touched everyone he met. He was a member of ABATE and loved his Harleys. He made many memories on the road with his biker friends.

Tim had a second family for the last 25 years working in the shipping department for Independent Machine Company until his retirement in May. He left an imprint in everyone's heart as they did in his. He loved his 40 acres at camp and often spent a lot of time there where he made many memories with his family and friends. Camping and fishing were some of Tim's favorite things to do. Often taking the boys on overnights by the Gladstone Dam. His all time favorite place to camp was at the Mine Ponds. We made many memories there and enjoyed fish frys from their catch of the day.

Tim and his sister Sara were avid Red Wings fans through the years. His favorite colors were Red Wings colors. He was always wearing Red Wings clothes. He had such a great love for his kids and grandkids, nephew Josh, niece Brenna, and great nephew Marcos. Many summers our home was filled with sleepovers. Most often every night all summer. He was a kid at heart.

As the big brother to his three sisters and only son, Tim held his family very close to his heart spending every holiday eating his moms great cooking and hanging out around the traditional bonfires … often ending with a competition with his sister Pam on who gave up and went in first! They saw the sun come up a few times. He treasured the hugs, jokes, and jabs from his sister Laura.

Tim had a special connection with wild life … he was an animal whisperer. Keeping them fed at work and home. We will keep that tradition as it started at his childhood home. Tim leaves behind 3 devoted and dedicated dogs. Mini, his constant companion and the one who was next to him when he passed away. Knute, his corn chaser when they'd feed the deer. And Sable, who never missed a chance to chat with him by his chair and get her ears scratched.

He will be missed by all the lives he touched as he was such a selfless beautiful soul.

Tim is survived by his wife, Patricia of Gladstone, his mother Flo Kalishek of Gladstone, children Mike (Amanda) Demeuse of Farmington, MN, Stephanie Demeuse of Farmington, MN, Amanda (Vinnie Leone) DeBauche of Albion, PA, Matthew (Amanda) DeBauche of Gladstone, Jayson (Joyce) Frandle of Gladstone and Tanner Cannon of Gladstone; grandchildren, Makayla and Amelia Demeuse, Noah, Quinten and Kaydence Gardell, Vincent and Anthony Leone and Ashton Lauscher, Carson Tahash and Callie and Evan DeBauche, his siblings, Pamela (Dewey) Averkamp of Hartford, WI, Laura (Joseph) Gabe of Pulaski, WI and Sara (Jim Matthews) Kalishek of Petoskey, MI; a nephew, Joshua (Marcella) Snowert, a niece, Brenna Gabe and a great nephew, Marcos Snowert

He was preceded in death his father, granddaughter, Alexis Demeuse and a special friend, Robert Brault.

Please join us in a BYO outdoor celebration of Tims life on August 16th from 3 P.M. to 7 P.M. at his mother Flo Kalishek's house: 5972 County Road 420 21st Road Gladstone. Food and some refreshments will be served. Feel free to bring a lawn chair.

In lieu of flowers donation can be directed to the family at 802 N 15th St. Gladstone, MI 49837.

The Kalishek family would like to offer a heartfelt special Thank You to OSF Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care and support Tim and their family received.