Paul Martin Kucharek

Paul Martin Kucharek, 60 of Gaylord, passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey.

Born on October 22, 1960 in Gaylord, Paul was the son of Frank and Anna (Swank) Kucharek.  A lifelong area resident, he grew up in Gaylord and was a 1979 graduate of Gaylord High School.

On June 15, 1991, Paul married Mary Ordway, his wife of nearly 30 years.  They made their life together and raised their family in Gaylord.

Paul worked in construction for a few years, then several years in landscaping and irrigation.  Later, he began working as a meat cutter at Glen’s Markets and finally at Save-a-Lot stores in Gaylord and East Jordan, where he was currently working.  He continued to provide irrigation service to many of his long time landscape customers.

Family came first for Paul; he loved spending time with them and especially enjoyed playtime with his grandson, Kaden.  He could often be found working around his home; how he loved spending time on his John Deere tractor.  Able to fix anything, he was the go to guy for his family and friends.  In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping.

In addition to his wife, Mary, Paul is survived by his children, Joe (Ashley) Kucharek, Kate Kucharek, Jessica Kucharek, Corinne Kucharek and Christopher Kucharek all of Gaylord; grandchildren, Kaden and Maddison who is due to arrive in September; sisters, Marlene (Dr. Donald) Cousineau and Kathy Kucharek both of Gaylord; brothers, Dennis “Dan” (Nancy) Kucharek and Frank (Cheryl) Kucharek both of Gaylord; his mother-in-law, Kathleen Ordway of Eustis, FL; brothers–in-law Allan (Laura) Ordway of Leesburg, FL, Jamie (Dusty Hamilton) Ordway of Eustis, FL; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Dozer.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Kucharek and his father-in-law, Allan Ordway.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, May 10, 2021 at Grace Baptist Church with Paul’s brother-in-law, Pastor Allan Ordway officiating.  The family will visit with friends at the church beginning at 12:00 noon.  Interment will follow at Hallock Cemetery.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the family to assist with their children’s education.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com