Thomas Tobolski

Thomas "Tom" William Tobolski, age 72, of Battle Creek passed away April 9, 2017 peacefully in the arms of his family. He was born May 7, 1944 in Battle Creek to William and Kathryn (Galarda) Tobolski. Tom attended St. Philip Catholic Schools, where he was an accomplished varsity athlete and student. He graduated in 1962. He went on to attend Kellogg Community College, and graduated from Michigan State University in 1967 with his teaching certificate. While attending MSU, Tom met Stephanie Kent. They were married in Detroit, Michigan, in August, 1968 and lived their entire life together in Battle Creek. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University in 1976. Upon graduation from MSU in 1967, he began teaching junior high at St. Joseph School in Battle Creek. He was a teacher, assistant principal, and track coach there until 1988. As a teacher, Tom was someone who prepared you not only for high school and college, but to become a better person. He was incredibly proud when former students would approach him years later and thank him for the impact he had on their life. After leaving St. Joseph, Tom worked at Denso until retiring in 2009.

Tom enjoyed watching MSU Spartans or his Detroit Tigers. He loved reading, tending to his garden, and going out to eat with Stephanie and Mary and John Stover. Tom served as a minister of the Eucharist and usher at St. Joseph Church. He was a longtime member of the Polish National Alliance Group 2416, and served as vice-president for several years. However, one of the things he loved best was watching his children or grandchildren participate in their activities. He coached his daughters' teams for years, and in all their years of sports never missed a game. He spent his retirement traveling the state for his grandchildren, sitting through countless meets, games, concerts, and events; in all weather- because that was how much family meant to him. One of Tom’s greatest successes late in life was successfully beating pancreatic cancer. He was strong and put his faith in God to carry him when his body was weak. He was a role model to us all in how to remain faithful to God during our darkest times.

Tom is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Stephanie. He leaves behind his beloved daughters, Theresa (Steven) Andrews and Janet (Dana) Richards; grandchildren, Renee, Kathleen, and Jonathan Andrews, Bryce, Carlee, Jacob Thomas, and Andrew Richards; sister, Joann (Richard) Iwanicki; cousins Mary (John) Stover and Christina Wells.

Visitation will be held at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Monday, April 17 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Tuesday, April 18 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 19 at 11:00 AM at St. Philip Catholic Church.  Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Battle Creek.

Donations can be made in Tom’s memory to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen or the Capuchin Children’s Programs at the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph, 1820 Mt. Elliott St., Detroit, MI 48207 or the Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools Foundation, specifying for tuition assistance at St. Joseph Elementary School.  www.henryfuneralhome.org