Thomas Irvin Shikoski

Thomas Irvin Shikoski, 72 of Traverse City passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born on July 17, 1940 in Kalamazoo, MI to the late Irvin Frank and Selma Elizabeth (Kline) Shikoski.

Tom honorably served our Country in the United States Navy as a Sonarman. After his time in the Navy, Tom continued his education at Western Michigan University and earned his School Phychologist Degeree and continued on to a Master's Degree. He went on to work as a teacher consultant retired as a Regional Director of Special Education at the TBAISD (Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District).

He married Mary Carol Shann in 1995 in Traverse City, MIchigan.

Together they enjoyed kayaking, sailing, camping and traveling all over the country. Spending time in the Grand Tetons among other destinations were amongst wonderful memories for Tom.

Skiing was also a love for Tom. He hela-skied in the mountains and was a devoted member of the Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol. Tom liked learning and mastering computers and technology especially in the later years.

Tom will be remembered for his big heart and as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Surviving Tom is his wife Mary, children, Wade Shikoski, Aaron (Cindy) Steele, Jeff (Lynn) Jordan, Tara (Roger) Steffes, and John (Kathleen) Steele, 10 grandchildren (Andrew, Kaitlyn, Nicholas, Christopher, Ryan, Logan, AJ, Cassandra, Kaitlyn and Hannah) and a brother Don Shikoski.

Tom is preceded in death by a son Anthony Steele.

Visitation for Tom will take place tonight from 6-8pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held tomorrow, Monday, October 22, at 1pm at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City with a visitation one hour prior. Pastor Jim Helman will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, www.curemeso.org .

Please sign Tom's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.