Catherine Melnik-Heck

Catherine Melnik-Heck, 91 of Harrison (formerly of Ubly), our beloved wife, mother, grandma, great grandma, passed away peacefully in her sleep with her husband by her side at Northwood Meadows, Cass City, on Monday, December 7, 2020. She was born December 24, 1928 in Tyre, to the late Edward and Stacey (Stepka) Bezemek. She attended and graduated from Ubly community schools in 1947.

Catherine married Henry Melnik at St. John Catholic Church in Ubly on April 3, 1948. He preceded her in death on March 13, 1983. She married Emil Heck at St. John Catholic Church in Ubly on April 15, 1989.

Catherine was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma and enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a wonderful homemaker, farmer and she enjoyed gardening, sewing, canning and quilting. Baking for family and friends held a special meaning especially during the holidays. Some of her most treasured moments was with her entire family on camping trips and at holiday gatherings.

She was a faithful member of St. John Catholic Church of Ubly and a member of the Christian Mothers for many years.

She is survived by her husband Emil, 8 children, Charles Melnik of Long Lake; Patricia (Ray) Cole of Lakeville, Indiana; James Melnik (Diane) of Unionville; Donald (Michelle) Melnik of Bad Axe; Ronald (Cindy) Melnik of Ubly; Gary (Brenda) Melnik of Jacksonville, Florida; Kenneth (Leslie) Melnik of Birch Run; Maureen Gentner of Frankenmuth. 19 grandchildren, Michelle Melnik, Steven Mausolf Jr., Rhonda (Tommy) Walsh, Kimberly (Nick) Maldonado, Sarah (Alex) Ramos, Jeremy (Nicole) Melnik, Nathan Melnik, Shannon (Raymond) Melnik-Ortiz, Daniel (Lisa) Melnik, Aaron (Kari) Melnik, Michael Melnik (Amanda), Jason Melnik; Ronald Jay Melnik (Aleigha), Courtney Melnik (Ben), French Louis (Erin) Melnik, Henry Brandon Melnik, Tiffany (Ryan) Roy,  Miranda Gentner (Andrew), Autumn Gentner and Jenna Bristol. 26 great grandchildren, Zachery, Jude, Maeve, Cedric, Chloe, Emma, Claire, Hannah, Tyler, Kaileigh, McKenzie, Sophia, Cyless, Allison, Jacob, Evelyn, Hunter, Scarlett, Alyssa, Carter, Peyton, Rylee, Greyson, Kendra, Taylor and Blakely. Sister-in law; Pat Bezemek and many nieces and nephews.

Step-daughter Anna Marie (Dave) King of Harrison; Step-son William (Billy) Heck of Bad Axe; 7 step grandchildren, Ann, Gracie, Annetta (Matt), Justin (Andrea), Jennifer, Ricky, Megan. 2 step great grandchildren, Lucan & Charlotte.

She was preceded in death by granddaughter’s Jennifer and Renee’ Melnik; step daughter Emily Kula; step son Michael Heck; brother’s Ernie (Betty) Bezemek and Joseph Bezemek; several half-brothers, half-sisters and their spouses; nieces and nephews.

A private funeral will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at St. John Catholic Church, Good Shepherd Parish, Ubly.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to Good Shepherd Parish Christian Mothers or to the family discretionary fund.

The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the wonderful staff at Northwood Meadows and Compassus Hospice.