Pauline C. Salenski

Pauline Cathryn (Sanders) Salenski, 85, of Kalkaska passed away on January 3rd, 2024, at Medilodge of Traverse City. Pauline was born on October 19, 1938, in Genesee, Michigan to her parents; Paul and Audrey (Oliver) Sanders. Pauline’s childhood was spent in Genesee with her siblings, cousins, and friends. She developed family bonds that would last a lifetime, notably with her cousin Marlene (Oliver) Nickert. After moving north to Kalkaska, she graduated high school, where she was recognized as “best dressed” by her graduating class and enjoyed playing girls basketball. On November 9, 1957, Pauline married Norman Dale Salenski. Their wedding was the first to be celebrated at the newly built St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church in Kalkaska. They were married 50 years, with Norman preceding her in death on May 5, 2008. The couple moved several times for Norman’s work until they settled in Clarkston, MI. The couple had two children Jeffery and Kathy. Once their children attended school, Pauline began working at Patterson’s Pharmacy in Oxford, MI as a Blue Cross Blue Shield billing agent and Pharmacy Technician. She also became a Beeline Clothes representative. After the death of their son Jeffery in 1969, she traveled with her mother-in-law Ann to Israel and the Holy Lands in a renewal of faith. By 1974, it was time to return to their hometown. Where her husband established Crawford Lake Construction. Pauline’s favorite seasons were Summer and Autumn and camping provided decades of cherished memories at Log Lake with her sister Janet, and all their children. Years later sing-a-longs with the Kalkaska quartet and her brother-in-law Ron renewed her value of continuing family ties. Her camping adventures also took her to Otsego Lake in Gaylord where she enjoyed summers with her husband Norm and granddaughter Chelsea. They loved their long summer vacations swimming, biking, pedal-boating, and their annual visits to Mackinac Island. In the 1980’s she began working at Vivian’s Restaurant and her hobbies included golf, bowling, and snowmobiling. She had fond memories of riding the trails and racing across Hubbard Lake with her brother Jerry. Her favorite road trip was with her dad Paul and sister Janet. They traveled west to South Dakota to visit their brother LaVern. Pauline’s volunteerism was a very special part of who she was. She loved to sell Trout Festival buttons on Main Street and providing food during the Fair in the Lions Club Tent. She was a Kalkaska Band Booster, Shady Bell volunteer, and Junior Varsity Cheerleading Coach. After her years of coaching, she became the #1 fan of the Girls Blazer Basketball Team. As a senior citizen, Pauline was elected to the Commission on Aging board and started her own business Pauline’s Tours. For nearly 20 years her motorcoach family donated quarters to provide Christmas meals and gifts for up to 25 families at Christmastime. Pauline also enjoyed being a special Aunt to her nieces and nephews; sister Janet’s children; Rhonda, Donna, and Sandy. Her brother Jerry’s children; Lance, Vicky, Wendy, and Carla. And her brother LaVern’s Children; Mark, and Lisa. In 2012, Pauline moved to Traverse City to live with her daughter. She is survived by her daughter Kathy (Salenski) Smith, granddaughter Chelsea Smith, sister Janet (Ronald) Wood, and sister-in-law Candy Monroe. A private Memorial and Burial will take place this summer to remember Pauline. The burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church and the Kalkaska Commission on Aging. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.

Pauline C. Salenski

October 19, 1938 - January 3, 2024