Thomas Lewis Hunter

Thomas Lewis Hunter, 86, of Traverse City passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 18th, 2018, at his home with his family by his side. Thomas was born to William Waterson and Theresa (Churchill) Hunter, June 23rd, 1932 in Saginaw. He was united in marriage to his wife Pauline - “Peg” - (Myers) Hunter on March 10, 1956, in Saginaw. Tom and Peg enjoyed over 62 years of devoted marriage. They had three children: daughter Sandra A. Seelbinder Bieganowski of Traverse City; daughter Tara (Anthony) L. Dombrowski of Gaylord, and son Steven (Misha) J. Hunter of Suttons Bay. Those who remain to honor his memory include his wife, Peg Hunter and his three children, Sandra, Tara and Steven; his brother Richard (Francis) Hunter of Freeland; his grandchildren Hunter (Rhianna) J.E. Seelbinder, Dane (Mandy) T. Seelbinder, Morgan (Alissa) C. Bieganowski, Alana L. Dombrowski, Jacob A. Dombrowski and Alexander A. Dombrowski, and Larissa J. Hunter; and his great-grandchildren, Maliya Seelbinder and Hunter Zeke Seelbinder, and Walker Thomas Seelbinder. Tom proudly owned his own business as a mason in Hunter Construction. He will be remembered for his lifelong interests and personal passions of wild and large game hunting in Michigan, Wyoming, the country of Russia and Canada; sports fishing in Michigan and Canada; and he enjoyed dealing with real estate, its development and sales. Tom was a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge #323 of Traverse City and The Independent Order of Foresters. Tom also sang. He began singing in high school, performing the national anthem at assemblies and most academic activities. He also attended weddings as the solo vocalist in the Saginaw and surrounding areas, thus giving new life to The Lord’s Prayer and Ava Maria, which became family favorites. Over the years, he was joined by his brothers, William, Richard and Robert, in singing for family events. After relocating to the Traverse City area, he later was involved with Barber Shoppers. His boundless love of family made him a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Honesty and integrity were two of his greatest intangible qualities others came to know and rely upon, both personally and professionally. His strong and unwavering faith led him to be respected and cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Upon meeting Tom, his passion for storytelling made obvious by his limitless supply of life’s events and happenings from childhood and beyond, revolving around family, hunting and fishing adventures, baseball and his professional accomplishments. Contagious charm, love of life and undeniable love for family and friends and the impact he made during his life will keep him always in our thoughts and forever in our hearts. On Monday October 1, 2018 a memorial gathering will take place from 1-3pm with a prayer service held on 2:30 pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Salvation Army and Anglers of the Au Sable. The family is being cared for by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Thomas Lewis Hunter

June 23, 1932 - September 18, 2018