Robert James Golisek

Robert James Golisek, 85, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 18, 2026, at his home in Paw Paw.

He was born July 10, 1940, in Munising, Michigan, the son of Theodore Golisek and Cibble Mae (Wilderspin) Golisek.

Robert graduated from Michigan State University in 1965 and worked as Head of the Computer Department until 1969. After MSU, he went on to work at Manatron and First of America. Robert worked in technology until his retirement from Manatron in 2008. He had a paton for a software package he developed.

He remained an avid lifelong MSU fan, he was a season ticket holder to MSU football games for many years (and he rarely missed one). In his younger years, Robert enjoyed racing sailboats, which gave him countless stories he passed down to his family. He also enjoyed antique cars and helped run the Paw Paw Days Antique Car show every year. He also enjoyed fishing and playing golf.

A generous man, Robert and his late wife, Marilyn, volunteered for the Give Kids the World Village during their winter time in Florida.. They were foster parents for a while and housed girls from the softball World Series in Kalamazoo as well.

On August 26, 1961, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Marie (Hilliard) Golisek, who preceded him in passing on June 29, 2022.

He is survived by his children, Robert (Terrie Mathis) Golisek of Norcross, Georgia, Sharyl Golisek of Paw Paw and Julie (Jeffrey) Woodworth of Decatur; 5 grandchildren, Ryan (Chelsea Beckmann) Golisek of Grand Rapids, Reese (Julianne) Golisek-Wisser of Paw Paw, Courtney (Jeff) Nazarians of Portage, Kendal (Tyler Buss) Woodworth of Kalamazoo and Kyle Woodworth of Decatur; 3 great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Elliot, and Stella Golisek-Wisser of Paw Paw, and siblings, Donna (Bob) Debnar and Jodi Nelc.

Robert was preceded in passing by his parents, wife Marilyn Golisek, and siblings, Roberta Giese and Leland Golisek.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw. A funeral service will begin at 5:00 p.m. with Pastor Lonny Carpenter officiating. A light meal will follow the service.

Memorial contributions in memory of Robert may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the ASPCA.