Karl Payk

Karl "Opa, Smoe" H. Payk 80 passed Aug 15,2021 with his family at his side. He was born on March 29,1941 in Johannsburg, East Prussia, Germany to the late Otto and Anna Payk the youngest of 5. At 10 years old the family came to USA via boat to Arkansas. After 1-1/2 years moved to Saginaw, Mi. where he met his wife Carole in 8th grade who lived across the road. He married Carole M. Engel on January 4, 1964 at Zion Lutheran Church in Saginaw and was married for 57 years. Her family always vacationed on Torch Lake which he never heard of but thoroughly loved it after the 1st visit. After graduating from high school, he studied to become an electrician, which he greatly enjoyed going to work every day. He belonged to the IBEW 557 for 54 years. Karl was a great, wonderful. funny man who loved his family along with boating and fishing. He became friends with anyone, loved to tell stories of all kinds, had a great sense of humor, and his compassion was always felt. Karl traveled to Germany, England, Canada, and throughout the United States which included Alaska and Hawaii. He was a true "jack of all trades". Now Karl and his siblings are in heaven together playing " by ear" the harmonica. He also loved westerns - books and movies. He was thrilled being with the grandkids and especially teaching them to fish and learning to drive the boat. Karl and Carole lived on Torch Lake in the home they built upon retirement. He is survived by his wife Carole, 3 daughters Cheryl Ward of Jackson TN., Corinne (Eric) Grace of Redondo Beach CA and Colette Kehr of Madison Heights MI; 5 grandchildren Zachary Ward, Camille Grace, Emily Kehr, Mason Grace, and Gavin Grace; many nephews and nieces, great nephews and great nieces, sisters-in-law Trudy Payk, Judy Payk Glesmer and Margaret (Robert) Ortman; and brother-in-law George Osterloh. Karl was preceded in death by his 4 siblings-Hedwig Osterloh, Erna Laubenstein, Eric Payk and Gunther Payk. His family would like to thank all the nurses at Munson TC, Dr Maureen Street and her staff, and all at the Senior Centers of Bellaire and Kalkaska. Cremation has taken place with no services at this time. For those who wish to express sympathy please consider the South Torch Lake Fire and Rescue Dept., the Bellaire or Kalkaska Senior Centers in Karl's name.

Karl Payk

March 29, 1941 - August 15, 2021