Obituary of Tara Marie Gluski

Tara Marie Gluski, age 50, of Marquette, Michigan has tragically passed away as result of an automobile accident.

Tara was born in Southfield, Michigan. She was a 1991 graduate of Walled Lake Central High School where she played tennis, and from the University of Michigan where she graduated with a degree in education.

She is survived by her husband David Kalishek; step-son, Scott Kalishek; parents, Paul and Sandy Gluski; brother, Brian Gluski, (all of Marquette); and many more special family members, friends and kids than can be named.

Tara previously worked as the UP Regional Manager for Bay Human Services, and most recently, as the Adventure Coordinator for the 906 Adventure Team.

Tara worked tirelessly for many causes. She has served as the past president of the Marquette Community Garden, and most recently as a board member of PIPAC, as Presque Isle was one of her favorite places. She was an active volunteer for The Fresh Coast Film Festival. She, along with her husband, were long time teachers of the MI Becoming an Outdoor Woman program. (BOW) They taught several classes that gave women more skills to enjoy the outdoors, including building winter shelters and camping, wilderness survival, and backpacking. The duo led many inexperienced hikers on backpacking trips for the BOW program.  

When Tara was not volunteering she enjoyed time with her many special family members and friends chasing sunrises, sunsets, and the northern lights; spending time in the woods hiking and mushroom hunting; cold water immersion; backpacking (especially enjoying many trips to Isle Royale), traveling; cross country and downhill skiing; bike riding; kayaking; camping in any season; adventure planning for everyone; running from 5k to 50 mile adventure runs; game and puzzle nights; working on camp with her husband and family; enjoying a craft beer (or 3!). One of her favorite places on earth was the Keewaydin Yurt in Craig Lake State Park.  She enjoyed many special trips there with her husband, father, and friends in both fall in winter.

Tara was so many things. She was well respected and had the biggest heart. She was a true friend to so many.  She was a go-to person who got things done.  From being an impromptu stray dog catcher, to an on-call friend.  She loved this community and its adventurous spirit, as well as the people in it. Tara was the light of many lives and was taken way too soon.  She loved her people fiercely and was loved right back by so many.

Friends and family will be notified of a memorial service to take place in the summer, with a date to be determined.  In lieu of sending flowers or food, get up to watch the sunrise, go for a ski, or take some kids for a hike. Chase an adventure.

To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.

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