THOMAS A. KLINEFELTER SR .

Thomas Klinefelter Sr, aged 91, passed away peacefully at Munson Medical Center on December 11 following a brief illness. As a husband, father, mentor and coach, he left an indelible and positive impact on many.

He was born March 1, 1931 and divided his formative years between his home in Hyde Park near the University of Chicago, and Pentwater on Lake Michigan where his family maintained a summer cottage. He graduated from Iowa State University on an athletic scholarship where his love for sports blossomed, having first become a football player in high school. His drive to continue as an athlete resulted in developing a talent and enduring passion for tennis (which he played into his eighties), earning many trophies including the Michigan Governor’s Cup, years running.

Beyond this, he was a lifelong fan of football and baseball, able to relate from memory myriad statistics about his favorite teams, The Chicago Bears and The White Sox.

Following graduation in 1953, Northport School was looking for a young history teacher with athletic skills and, being the perfect candidate, Tom was hired. There, he met a fellow teacher from Suttons Bay, Marilyn Garthe, and they were married June 18, 1955, at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church. Shortly afterward, Tom and Marilyn left Northport for a two-year stint in Harlingen TX, where he proudly served in the Air Force, attaining the rank of Lieutenant, before returning to Michigan. Sons Tom and Bob, and daughter Cathy were born in 1958, 1960 and in 1962, respectively.

The family moved downstate in the early 60s so that Tom could complete a master’s degree in education and then accept a teaching and coaching position in the Dearborn Heights school system. As at Northport in prior years, He was very active as a coach, taking Crestwood High School tennis and basketball teams to state finals, winning titles from the late 60s until the 1980s.

Tom and Marilyn also owned and operated the Bay Theatre while living here in Suttons Bay during the summers of 1961 - 1976.

Retirement began in 1986 and afforded Tom and Marilyn the opportunity to pursue together their love of travel, spending winters in Alabama and Florida, taking many Caribbean cruises, and visiting Russia, Europe, and Asia.

Tom was a humble man, a great listener, compassionate, and inspiring. Through his quiet commitment, he helped many win over their personal battles with addiction through his 25-plus years work with AA.

Tom was a son of Guilbert & Margaret (nee, Cook) Klinefelter and leaves behind Tom Jr of Suttons Bay, Bob (Lisa) of Claremont Florida, Cathy of Farmington Hills, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to those he helped through AA, he is remembered by many students who have remained in contact years after leaving the classroom or playing field.

The family would like to acknowledge & thank Gloria and Bob Rothgarber who took such great care of dad (and Mom) in their later years, as well as his many friends who stopped to visit with him.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church.

Memorials may be directed to Suttons Bay Congregational Church, PO Box 70, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Drive, Traverse City, MI 49696.

Please share condolences with Tom’s family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.