Norman Dale Salenski, 70, passed away on Mon, May 5, 2008, in Kalkaska, MI with his wife Pauline at his side. Born on Mar 30, 1938, in Traverse City, he was the son of Merton and Anita (Steve) Salenski.
Norman married Pauline Sanders on Nov 9, 1957, in the very first wedding ceremony at St Mary of the Woods Catholic Church in Kalkaska. His first job was working on the Mackinaw Bridge for the Michigan Sate Highway Department. In 1974, he returned to his hometown of Kalkaska when he purchased Crawford Lake Construction Company and enjoyed running his business until retiring in 2006. Norman's hobbies included bowling, golfing, and snowmobiling. Yet hunting and fishing became a passion in his retirement years. He was a devoted family man who gave much encouragement in the pursuit of a college education to his daughter and granddaughter. After his retirement Norman helped Pauline with her business, "Pauline's Tours" and enjoyed making new acquaintances and friends who have become invaluable in these last few years as his health was failing. They have provided a support network that surpassed his small family and their kindnesses will never be forgotten.
He was a former Kalkaska County Road Commissioner and past Lion's President. While in Clarkston, MI, he served as a loyal Cub Master in Boy Scouts until the death of his son.
Surviving Norman is his wife, Pauline of 50 years; his daughter, Kathy Smith of Traverse City; his granddaughter, Chelsea Smith; his brother in laws and sister in laws, Jerry (Candy) Monroe of Fl, LaVerne (Pat) Sanders of SD and Jan (Ron) Wood of Elk Lake; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Norman in death were his parents his stepfathers, Steve Bartholomew and Otto Birgy and his son, Jeffrey Dale Salenski on Dec 24, 1969.
A memorial service was held on Thu, May 8 at 11 am at St Mary of the Woods Catholic Church with Reverend Robert J Zuchowski officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.
Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home.
