Thomas Shafer, 82, of Traverse City passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 15, 2024. Tom was born on July 8, 1942 in Detroit to the late Edward and Bertha (Bott) Shafer. Tom grew up in Detroit before eventually moving to the place he loved the most, Traverse City.
After serving our country honorably as a member of the United States Navy, Tom became the owner of Traverse Reproduction and Supply Company in 1968 which he owned until 1992. He was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for nearly 60 years and a proud member of the Elks Club for over 50 years.
Tom dedicated his life to his family and enjoyed the simple things in life: taking care of his lawn, church chicken dinners, perogies (embracing his Polish heritage), running errands, and watching the TV show Cops. He adored his three granddaughters, which he generously supported by providing funding for their future college education. Tom was incredibly wise with an uncanny ability to impart words of wisdom. His memorable phrases live on and will continue to guide future generations.
Tom is survived by his son Ken and daughter Jeanne (Lawrence) Nesbitt, grandchildren Lily and Anna Nesbitt and Emma Shafer, and sister Constance Brown.
The memorial mass will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:30 at Immaculate Conception Church.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Parkinsons Network North.