Paul W. Gikas

Gikas, M.D., Paul William of Ann Arbor, Michigan died peacefully at his residence with his wife and family by his side. Paul was born in Lansing, Michigan the son of John and Minnie Gikas on July 23, 1928. He was a graduate of Lansing Sexton H.S. in 1946. Paul received both his AB. (1950) and M.D. (1954) degrees from the University of Michigan. After completing a rotating internship at Philadelphia General Hospital in 1955, he undertook a year of residency training at the University of Michigan. He served with the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Virginia from 1956-58, after which he returned to the University of Michigan to complete his residency. He married Suzanne Haglund on December 27, 1952, together they raised their three beautiful girls in Ann Arbor. Paul joined the University of Michigan faculty in 1959 and worked in the pathology department retiring in 1994. After retirement he continued to teach in the Medical School, he loved his students. Paul served the medical school as assistant dean of admissions, he loved recruiting new students. From 1982-88, Paul was faculty representative for intercollegiate athletics to the Big Ten Conference and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). During that time, he served on several NCAA and Big Ten committees, which addressed such issues as drug abuse, alcohol awareness, drug testing, and safety standards. In the mid 1960’s Paul was involved in automobile safety research which led to increased automobile safety standards in the United States. Paul loved sailing and fishing the Great Lakes, he was an avid runner completing many races including the Detroit Free Press as well as the Boston Marathon. For years he could be seen riding his bike to and from the hospital. Most of all Paul loved his family. He is survived by his wife Suzanne of 62 years, daughters; Sandra (Philip) Brooks, Sarah (John) Malinosky, and Paula (Scott) Nagelvoort, grandchildren; Aaron (Kim Ruiz) and Paul Brooks, Heather (Steven) Stanley, Joshua (Mandie) Malinosky, Faith (Josh) Burhoe, Noah (Jill) Malinosky, Christian, Zachary and Grace Nagelvoort. There are also six great grandchildren who survive him. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015 at St. Luke Lutheran Church of Ann Arbor at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be at the Muehlig Funeral Chapel on Thursday March 26,2015 from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. and again at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Memorial donations may be offered to the Huron Valley Humane Society or the charity of your choice.