Gordon Thomas Bajtka, age 83, of Manistee, died unexpectedly Friday, June 26, 2026 at his home.

He was born December 29, 1942, at home in Manistee and was the son of the late Edward F. and Clara C. (Zatarga) Bajtka.  He attended St. Joseph's Parish School and Manistee High School.  He was drafted and served as a member of the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967.  He was a purple heart recipient.  Gordon married Barbara Jean Turk on September 14, 1968 and celebrated 45 years of marriage together until her death on August 11, 2014.  He worked at A.D. Joslin's manufacturing in Manistee for over 35 years as a machinist until the business closed in 2004.  After that, he started a business painting in residential homes for several more years.  Gordon was a loving husband and father to 4 children.  He enjoyed woodworking, and along with his wife, sold their crafts at shows.  He also enjoyed collecting Elvis memorabilia and showing his collection to anyone who wanted to see it.  He also liked gardening, painting and fixing things.  He enjoyed the peacefulness of watching the birds in his yard, especially the hummingbirds.

He is survived by his children, Sandra K. (Jeremy) Foster of Cadillac, MI, Jeffery A. (Kristina) Bajtka and Thomas E. (Heather) Bajtka, all of Manistee, MI and Donna M. (Dennis) Blue of Mason, MI; 9 grandchildren, Tyler, Emily, Dylan, Mikayla, Gavin, Braeden, Carey, Denny and Brendan; 8 great-grandchildren, Ashton, Gracey, Sophia, Emerson, Sadie, Meredith, Colton, and Sloane; brothers, David Bajtka and Edward Bajtka.  Numerous other family members also survive him.

In addition to Edward & Clara, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara Jean; his beloved granddaughter, Amanda Marie Blue and sisters in law, Nancy Bajtka and Joyce Bajtka.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church (Divine Mercy Parish) in Manistee with Rev. James Bearss celebrant.  Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 PM Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee with the Holy Rosary Service to be prayed at 8:00 PM followed by the evening vigil service.

The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6:00 until the time of vigil services to receive friends.  The family will also be at the funeral home on Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 AM to receive friends prior to the traditional procession from funeral home to the church.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.