Thomas 'Jim' Kolatski

Thomas 'Jim' Kolatski

Thomas "Jim" Kolatski of Mackinac Island was a paint crew maintenance foreman for the Mackinac Island State Parks Commission on the Island, where he had lived since 1956. He retired from the position nine years ago after serving the park for 28 years. He also served in the National Guard for seven years.

Mr. Kolatski died at the age of 70 early Friday morning, April 6, 2007, at Cheboygan Community Hospital in Cheboygan.

He was born in Cheboygan March 16, 1937, to Frank and Agatha (nee Barrette) Kolatski.

He served on the Mackinac Island Public School Board of Education and Mackinac Island City Council.

He married Lorma Cowell on Mackinac Island September 1, 1956, and she survives him.

Mr. Kolatski is also survived by three sons and their families, Thomas J. and Luanne Kolatski of Mackinac Island, Timothy and Kim Kolatski of Mackinac Island, and Norman and Cortney Kolatski of Cheboygan; two daughters and their families, Lorna Webster of Cheboygan and Louann and Ben Mosley of Mackinac Island; two brothers and their families, Ray and Lois Kolatski and George and Gerri Kolatski, all of Cheboygan; a sister, Ruth Barrette of Cheboygan; 23 grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Gary Kolatski January 31, 2001, a brother, Pete Kolatski, and two sisters, Pat LaFrinere and Barbara Barach.

Visitation was Monday, April 9, at Dodson Funeral Home in St. Ignace and Tuesday, April 10, at the Kolatski residence on Mackinac Island.

Services were Wednesday, April 11, at 12:30 p.m. at Ste. Anne's Catholic Church on Mackinac Island with Pastor Ken Straight officiating.

Burial will be in Cottle Cemetery in Pickford.

Dodson Funeral Home of St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements.