Obituary of Dr. Thomas E. Michalek, DVM

Dr. Thomas Edward Michalek, age 66, of Kalkaska, and formerly of Deckerville and Perry, Michigan, passed away in Zephyrhills, Florida, Monday, April 4, 2022, after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Dr. Tom was born in Perry, Michigan on May 26, 1955, the second son of the late George J. and Frances (Sayles) Michalek. Tom, known as Dr. T, loved his family, profession as a veterinarian, golf, and all sports. His blood ran Green and White for his beloved Michigan State Spartans. Tom began and ended his 38 year career in Veterinary medicine as a partner/owner of Thumb Veterinarian Service (previously Deckerville Veterinary Clinic). He truly enjoyed the many friendships he had and all of the clients he worked with in the thumb area. For many years, Dr. Tom served as an Adjunct Professor to the College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU. This gave him the opportunity to mentor and host 100+ future veterinarians over the years. He was a member of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Thumb Veterinary Medical Association and served a term on the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine. He was the Past Grand Knight and financial secretary for many years with the Sandusky Council Knights of Columbus #4693, was a Deckerville Eagle fan, and loved being the time keeper for the football games for 39 years, even driving from Kalkaska to run the clock. He loved to watch his children compete in sports and at the Sanilac County Fair with their livestock. He also volunteered many years to help check-in beef animals at the fair. Following in the footsteps of his father, he was active in the FFA when in high school and served as a regional officer. Tom loved to sing in church and he sang at both St. Mary’s, Morrice, Michigan and St. Patrick’s Church, Palms, Michigan. Tom and Lucinda sang at their wedding, at many weddings and funerals throughout the years, were part of the Deckerville Community Choir, and loved to sing the national anthem at the Will2Walk golf outing. Tom is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lucinda (Thompson); children, Nicholas (Jeanna) Michalek of Ellsworth MI, Matthew (Rebecca) Michalek of Laingsburg MI, Sarah Michalek of Lansing MI, and Elizabeth Michalek of Lansing MI. He was the Proud “Papa” to Shelby Michalek and Sophia Michalek; brothers, Monsignor George Michalek and Ronald Michalek; brother-in-law, Murray (Emelie) Thompson; sisters-in-law, Mary Thompson and Marilee Schock; aunt, Dorothy (Sayles) Ware; 5 nephews; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by son, Andrew Thomas Michalek; brother, Jeffery Michalek; his parents; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Thomas and Saralee (Murray) Thompson; and brother-in-law, Kevin Thompson. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 Service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Morrice Michigan, with the Very Reverend Monsignor George C. Michalek officiating. The family will receive friends at church on Friday, May 13, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:30 p.m., led by Sandusky Council #4693. Visitation will also be held at church prior to the service on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Minden City Cemetery at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 28, 2022 from 4:00 p.m.-8:00p.m. at the Mark & Sally Klaus residence, 5220 Snay Road, Palms, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Memorial Contributions to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Palms, MI, the Sanilac County 4-H Large Animal Livestock Committee, or the Sanilac FFA Chapter. To leave words of condolence, please visit the online guestbook at, www.hyattewald.com