Michael John Olk Jr.

Mike quietly passed after spending the day with his family on April 3, 2021 at the age of 79. He was born May 27, 1941 in Bay City MI to the late Michael John and Marie (McPeak) Olk. Mike graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1959, and attained both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Central Michigan University.
Mike led a very full and blessed life. As a young man he served in the US Coast Guard Merchant Marines, worked to put himself through school, and worked in education until he retired as an Administrator in the Bay City Public Schools following 31 years of service. He owned Tip-A-Canoe Campground in Cheboygan, MI, and Mary's Snack Shack in Tawas City, MI.
After retirement, Mike was elected Bangor Township Clerk.  Later, he remained involved in serving the community, including several years as a 4th Commission District representative on the Bay County Division on Aging Advisory Committee; and participating as a volunteer in many community events such as the Tall Ships, and River of Time in Bay City. He helped many people individually, impacting countless people in his lifetime. He never met a stranger, and his welcoming manner and love and respect for all people is his legacy.
Mike married his love for a lifetime, Marjorie M. Schramke, on April 11, 1964. They shared the next 56 years together, with laughter, ups and downs, finding fun in all they did. They went to Ireland for their 50th anniversary, a trip they really enjoyed. Four children survive him: Michelle, of Vero Beach, FL; Matthew (Melanie) of Saginaw, MI; Michael John III (Catherine) of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI; Mary Elizabeth of East Tawas, MI. Mike has 7 grandchildren: Richard and Callie Olk, Simon and Luke Olk, Elijah Olsen (Nick), Jasmine Shupback; and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Romayne Richards of Bay City, MI; sister-in-law Shirley Schramke of Hale, MI; many beloved nieces and nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Olk; sister, Delores Young; grandson Mikey Shupback Jr.; brothers-in-law Jack Young, Gerald Richards, Floyd Schramke, and Donald Schramke; sister-in-law Janet Schramke; niece Lynne Schramke; and nephew Michael Young.
Mike had many hobbies and interests. Mike was extremely active in theatre in Bay City, performing in over 60 plays.  He acted with the Bay City Players, Midland Center for the Arts, Saginaw Pit and Balcony, and in Tawas City. He won the Award for Best Supporting Performance at the Midland Dow Center of the Arts for the 1998-1999 season. He also had a speaking part in the 2009 full-length movie entitled "Meltdown" starting Joe Estevez, which was filmed in Bay City and is on Amazon today.  Most recently, he combined his acting talents with his teacher talents to educate students in historical subjects, designing a one-man play in a costumed character he called "Jean-Claude" and performing at various elementary schools for children.
He also was an avid biker, biking up to 20 miles a day, once biking 180 miles to Mackinaw City. He also enjoyed weight lifting, kayaking, camping, building various crafts, gardening, and especially enjoyed attending the sports, school events, plays, and activities of the grandchildren whenever he could. Halloween was his very favorite "holiday", and he spent a lot of time on costumes, décor, music, and getting ready for the trick-or-treaters every year.
Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish. Friends may visit at the Gephart Funeral Home on Friday, April 9, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. We are currently still under the governor's executive order of social distancing and limited to 25 visitors in the chapel at one time. You may experience a wait while paying your respects, face coverings must be worn. The family expresses its gratitude to Southern Care Hospice, in particular Brittany, his aide; and nurses Deb, Terry, Terri, and Stacy. Contributions may be directed to the St. Jude Children's Hospital. For online condolences visit www.gephartfuneralhome.com