THOMAS E. MOCKLER

LAKE LEELANAU – Thomas Edwin Mockler, 76, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at home with his family at his side. Thomas was born July 2, 1946 in Park Falls, WI the son of Norbert and Ihla (Wells) Mockler.

Tom attended St. Anthony Grade School and graduated from Park Falls Lincoln High with the class of 1964. He then served his country in the US Army from July 1964 to June 1967, stationed in Germany. Upon returning he married Audrey (Passer) Mockler on July 20, 1968. In April 1973 he moved his family to Lake Leelanau. He spent his career as a HVAC technician. He was a self-taught jack of all trades and there was not a mechanical, electrical, or carpentry problem that he could not solve. He had an extraordinary skill as an artist in woodworking. His passion was wood turning, creating beautiful projects that he shared with many people by gifting the results of his talent. Tom made his signature wood turned bowls for all his siblings.

Tom and Audrey attended all of their children’s sports events at Suttons Bay School, even the events of kids not their own! Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping with his family at State Parks. Later in life he and Audrey enjoyed their annual camping trip in Copper Harbor on the Keweenaw Peninsula.

He was a kind, compassionate spirit, a devoted husband, father, and brother with faith and family being his foundation.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Audrey; two sons, Thomas Mockler, Jason (Debra) Mockler; his siblings, Margaret (Gene) Kellogg, Patricia (Paul) Burnette, Jane (Donald) Resar, Teresa French, Michael (Dianne) Mockler; his grandchildren, Mollie Mockler, Cailin Mockler, Kendra Mockler, Kyle Riggs, Mia Matthews, Trevor Riggs; his great-grandchildren, Adeline Riggs, Willa Riggs, Sage Matthews, Tristyn Riggs, Karsyn Riggs; many loving nieces, nephews, and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James Mockler, Donald Mockler; three brothers-in-law, Jim Passer, Emil Passer, Daniel French; a daughter-in-law, Michelle (Korson) Mockler; three nephews, Kraig Kellogg, Brian Burnette, Nathan Burnette; and special friend, Susan Kiker.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Leelanau County Cancer Foundation, 6991 N. Swede Road, Northport, MI 49670, Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Highway, Traverse City, MI 49684 and/ or Mass Intentions.

Please share your condolences and memories with Tom’s family at www. martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.