Thomas Sika

INTERLOCHEN — Thomas Sika, 84, of Interlochen passed away Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, at the home of his daughter, surrounded by his loving family, shortly after being diagnosed with renal cancer.He was born Nov. 14, 1926, on the family farm in Karlin to Thomas and Steffie (Skoumal) Sika. On a bright sunny afternoon in 1948, he met his first wife, Virginia, while she was out for an afternoon walk. They were married for 32 years and had three daughters. In 1994 he married Yolanda. They were married for 13 years before she passed away in 2007. With that marriage, four stepdaughters entered his family. Tom grew up on the farm but left at a young age to attend machinist school in Chicago. After that he served honorably in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II. Upon discharge he returned to Chicago for gear trade school. After returning to Michigan, he opened his own body shop in Grawn. He then went to work at Cone Drive Gear for 35 years until his retirement in 1985. During that time he also purchased and ran a resort on South Long Lake called Seek-A-Resort.After his retirement he lived a very full and active life. He was an avid euchre player, hunter, fisherman and talented builder. He built five homes during his lifetime, the most recent one when he was 72 years old. With no formal training, he was one of the smartest men one could meet. If he didn't know how to do something he would read a book and teach himself, whether it was plumbing, electrical or masonry. He did it all.He was very hard working and left a legacy of a great work ethic, but always took time to have fun. His greatest passion was dancing. He spent the past few winters in Florida, not to escape the winter, but to be able to attend a dance every night, which he did right up until the end. He had a zest for life and adventure and his laughter was contagious. It lit up the room.He was preceded in death by an infant son; his first wife Virginia Hoch, and his soulmate Yolanda Wymer; and his brothers, Joseph, Edward, Jerry, James and John Sika.He is survived by his sister, Blanche Urban; brother Robert (Lois) Sika; and sisters-in-law Zdenka Sika and Blanche Sika. His surviving children are Stephanie (Harry) Blount, Christine (Mike) Nash, Terri (Gary) Pierce and his stepchildren, Alina Frailey, Adela Wymer, Angela Wymer and Andrea Wymer. Tom also has four grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many other loving family members and friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Kevin Weber and Munson Hospice for their comforting and compassionate care.Gifts in memory of Tom, if desired, may be made to Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation, 210 Beaumont Place, Traverse City, MI 49684. Please specify either Munson Hospice or Munson Cancer Center. Per Tom's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.Daddy, we know you are dancing your way to Heaven. We miss you.

Thomas Sika

September 21, 2011