Kay Ann Mielcarek was unexpectedly called home to the Lord December 17th, 2016 at the age of 78. She was born August 15th, 1938 to Katherine P (Siersinski) Linke and Harlan A Linke in Manistee, Michigan.

She graduated from Manistee High School in the class of 1956 and married her high school sweetheart, James Joseph Mielcarek on July19th, 1958 at Guardian Angels Church in Manistee. Together they raised two daughters on Bar Lake.
Bar Lake was where Kay was her happiest. She spent her whole life "on the point" watching the wildlife and making memories with her family. She was known to stop mid-sentence to point out the swans, or comment on the sound of a loon.
She spent 37 years working at Maple Street Clinic where she became a staple in the lives of many. Kay would greet every patient with a smile and always took the time to listen and offer comfort.

Jim and Kay spent many years chasing salmon aboard "The Ruffian", their 28 foot wooden Owens. Many summers were spent at Solberg's Marina, exchanging fish tales and sharing laughter with a tight knit group of friends and family.

Kay was known for her artistic talents and eye for beauty. She took great pleasure in her watercolors and was an active member of The Manistee Art Institute, having had several paintings showcased in art shows at The Ramsdell Theater in past years. She also had a love of words, whether it was filling out a crossword, reading a classic or conversing with a dear friend.
She worked hard while raising a family. Then in retirement Kay traveled the United States with her husband and dear friends, gathering many stories to share in later years.

A diagnosis of stage IV breast cancer in 1999 did not slow Kay down and she fought tooth and nail to reach remission. She spent many years proud of her battle and never hesitated to inspire another cancer fighter with words of encouragement. The cancer eventually came back, and she faced it with the same tenacity as before. She endured treatments through her final years in order to keep the cancer at bay and to remain with her family.

Her family was her joy. Kay was proud of her grandchildren and worked hard to shower them with affection and love. But no one could make Kay smile bigger than her great grandchildren. She adored her eight great grandchildren and spent a great deal of time taking pictures of them and telling anyone she saw how well they were all doing. Kay had a number of hobbies that brought her happiness including, gardening, sewing, crocheting, and cooking for her family.

Kay Ann is survived by her loving husband James J. Mielcarek, two daughters, Kathy (Jerome) Wrzesinski, and Cheryl (Al) Sherman. Four grandchildren, Jeri (Hans) Madsen, Jennifer (Tim) Stuck, Jessica Gilman and James Sherman. Eight great-grandchildren, Colin, Andrew, Adisyn, Nathan, Kayden, Emmet, Hannah and Zeke. Her brother and sister-in-law, Rudy and Evelyn (Cookie) Linke, two sisters, Barbie Norgard and Linda (Ken) Soller. Nephews, Harlan (Margie) Linke, Rick (Nicky) Linke, David (Linda) Wandrych, Ed Wandrych, Jim Linke, Ron Mielcarek and nieces, Jackie (Joel) Chrisco, Sharon (Jim) Slade. Great nieces and nephews, Joanne (Ben) Snay, Harlan (April) Linke, Michael Linke, Rudy Linke, Allen Wandrych, Bryan Wandrych, and Blake Wandrych, Gabby Munger, Kaitlyn Chrisco and Olivia Chrisco and a number of cousins and dear life-long friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother Katherine (Katie) Linke and father Harlan Linke and her mother and father-in-law, Emery and Betty Mielcarek. Her brother-in-law Pete Norgard, and great grandchild, baby Jake, as well as a number of aunts and uncles.

Funeral Services for Kay will be held at 11a.m., on Friday, December 23rd, at Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee with Pastor Michael Belinski officiating. Family will be at the funeral home one hour prior to the service to receive guests.

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