Kathryn Polack Kik was born in 1929 at the family farm homestead in Kasson Township and died December 4th. Her parents were Frank and Geneva (Loucks) Polack. She was the youngest of eleven siblings, all of whom have passed on. Preceding her in death were her husband, Earl David Kik, and baby boy Kik. She was married to her husband until he passed in 1999.

Life on the farm was hard. but Kay and her siblings were able to find joy. They played with the cows and workhorses, quite often riding the animals to Polack Lake to go swimming. Grandpa Polack would take them over to Burdickville Hill for sledding in the winter. Grandma Polack would make fry bread with maple syrup from their farm.

Mom was an amazing and strong woman. At the age of 14, she left the farm and moved to Traverse City, working her way through high school and then Butterworth Nursing School, in Grand Rapids, for her RN degree. She met Earl during a blind date in July and they were married that following December. She helped to put her husband through dental school, while working at the University of Michigan Hospital Pediatric Polio Unit.

After Dad graduated, they moved to Byron Center, where he was the town's first dentist. They lived in a 2nd floor apartment where the decision to build a home was made after their eldest child fell from the second floor outside landing. The family ended up on Harlow St where Mom lived until she sold the house after Dad's passing. Her children grew up with various pets such as hamsters, parakeets, tropical fish, dogs, and cats. Many trips were made up north to visit with her sisters at their homes and summer cottages.

During that time, she believed in giving back to her community by serving as a volunteer with Butterworth Junior Guild and Pine Rest Hospital. She was also a room mother at her children's schools, a leader with Bluebird and Camp Fire Girls, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Kathryn was always there for her children and grandchildren, helping out when needed. When the Dawkins children visited her during the summer, she and Earl took them on vacation, visiting places such as Mackinaw Island, House on the Rock, and John Ball Zoo.

She enjoyed reading, playing cards and other games.

Kathryn is survived by her children Kathryn Dawkins (Scotty), Jeffrey Kik (Christine), Nanette Smith (Ken), Diane Kik, and Earl Kik II. Her grandchildren are Ian Dawkins, Kristina Dawkins (Daniel), Mary Dawkins, Martin Kik (Blair Leverence), Daniel Kik (Andrea), Brian Smith, Rachael Lampen (Eric), Jordan Kik (Nikki McAdams), and Jonathan Kik. Great grandchildren are Desmond and Raegan Dawkins, Izabella and Alexander Kik, Kaylee, Kaleb, and Keegan Lampen, and Emerson Kik.

Mom became a world traveler with her husband (United Kingdom, Europe, and Mexico). Their favorite trips occurred during the fall, to Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

Please consider making a donation in Kathryn's name to Wings of Hope Hospice and Pallative Care Inc., 530 Linn St, Allegan, MI. 49010, who took good care of Kathryn and allowed her a peaceful passing.

Kathryn will be cremated and interred with her husband at Fairplains Cemetery in Grand
Rapids. The family will have a private celebration of life. Service Details. Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Kathryn Kik June 14, 1929 - December 4, 2021 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book