Thomas Shefsick

Thomas Lee Shefsick, The Man, The Myth, The Legend died October 9th in his home unexpectedly.

The Man: Tom was born on September 4, 1949 in Niles, Michigan to Frank J. and Phyllis M. (Shephard) Shefsick, who preceded him in death. He grew up in Niles with his brother Norman to whom he remained very close his entire life. Norm and his wife Elaine live close by in the same neighborhood still to this day. He graduated from Niles High School where he met his high school sweetheart, Linda. He married Linda on January 25th, 1969. Soon after Tom entered the Army in April of 1969. He served most of his tour of duty in Vietnam as a radio teletype operator, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant and Veteran. He was honored to serve his country and his love for his fellow veterans and service members was evident. When he returned from Vietnam, he began a long career at the former Bendix Automotive (now Honeywell International) in South Bend, Indiana. Tom started his family with Linda in Niles Michigan in the early seventies as well as his signature mustache. Tom and Linda have five children. Kristen Marie who passed away in infancy, Jason Thomas of North Carolina, Angela Marie (& the late Matt) Stuver of South Bend, Nathan (& Jessica ) Shefsick of Bluffton South Carolina and David Matthew who passed away at birth. His children gave Tom four beautiful grandchildren whom Tom loved so very much, Bennett and Evan Stuver of South Bend and Parker and Stone Shefsick of Bluffton, South Carolina.

The Myth: Tom was an enigma. You could try to understand him, but usually you just had more questions. He was the definition of unique. His sense of humor was sharp and disarming at times. If you knew Tom, you knew there was no way of knowing what may come out of his mouth at any moment. Sometimes his family was frightened of that fact. You had to go into any situation with Tom on guard and guaranteed to have a great time and one hell of a story to tell people when you got home. From Cancun hijinks to unforgettable hunting and fishing trips with his friends. If you have a Tom Shefsick story, you are a lucky individual. His family and friends will miss his unpredictability and wit. Everyone wants more time with Tom. His absence will be so profoundly felt by all who were lucky enough to call him Dad, Paw, Brother, Friend and Husband.

The Legend: One of the definitions of a legend is a notorious person. Tom was notorious for being entertaining regardless of the situation. Tom was notorious for being a self-proclaimed food enthusiast and creator of many “one of a kind” sauces and dishes that live in infamy . . . like his jerky and his variations of deviled eggs. Tom was notorious for being a great teacher of life lessons. His children and grandchildren are blessed to have learned some of those, such as helping anyone in need, working harder than you have to because you can, and that laughter can bring light to hard times right when it’s needed. Tom was notorious for being a steadfast friend and brother. His word was as good as gold. If you called Tom for help, he would drop everything for you. Lastly, Tom was notorious for loving Linda. His dedication to her and his marriage was clear to all who knew them. She was his one true love. He was extremely proud of the life he created with her, and he fiercely fought his various health issues to have as much time as he could with Linda. Their love will go on to be a recipe for his family to follow. A little bit of love, a lot of hard work and a dash of fun.

Tom clearly enjoyed life. In his wallet he left a note, folded up and stuck behind the normal wallet findings and it read - in his signature poor penmanship and spelling: “To Whome it may concern: Let these guys do whatever they want. Thank you. Gorloc (Galaxy Quadrant Sheriff)“ . Those that knew him would expect nothing less than a random note with an unexplainable message. He was a Legend.

The family of Tom Shefsick is hosting a Celebration of Life from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022 at the Niles Elks Lodge, 1322 Canal Street in Plym Park, with Full Military Honors presented at 2:00 p.m. by the United States Army Honor Guard, assisted by Buchanan American Legion Post #51.

Contributions in memory of Tom Shefsick may be made to purchase a brick at the Niles Veterans Memorial, c/o Niles City Hall, Department of Public Works, 333 North Second Street, Suite 301, Niles, Michigan, 49120; https://www.nilesmi.org/frequently_requested/forms.php#outer-4 5sub-69 .

Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com