Theodore "Jack" John Kolka

Theodore "Jack" John Kolka, age 91, of Grayling, MI passed away peacefully at Northern Pines Assisted Living on October 20, 2025. He was born on October 27, 1933 in Grayling, MI to Joseph and Clayo (Purvis) Kolka.

Jack married the love of his life Janet Mae Watson on December 17, 1966. He had a great passion for canoeing and hunting. Jack was a local favorite to win the Ausable River Canoe Marathon. He also loved gardening and was quite good at it. He was daring enough to jump out of airplanes during his military service and jump out of trains as well while working for the railroad. He loved being around children and was very good with them. He always kept the fire burning and cut a lot of firewood to have on hand. He worked as a yard conductor for the railroad and retired after 38 years.

Jack is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janet Kolka; children, Jeffery Kolka, Scott (Amy) Kolka, Jacqueline Kolka, and Ted Kolka Jr; grandchildren, Andrea, Michelle, Adam, Joelissa, Jillian, Naomi, Theo, and Noah; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Devine; and brother-in-Law, Gary Leslie.Jack is preceded in death by sons, Joel Kolka and Mark Kolka, his parents, siblings Joseph Kolka, Lorraine Higgins, Jim Kolka, Alvin Kolka, Maxine Papendick, Jackie Worden, Lolly Leslie, and Puff Denton.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 11:00 am until the beginning of funeral service at 12:00 pm at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home in Grayling, MI. Graveside services with military honors will follow the funeral service at Elmwood Cemetery in Grayling, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jack can be made to Michigan Canoe Racing Association, American Legion post 106, or another donation of your choice.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.sorensonlockwood.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.