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THOMAS ERNEST DAGE

Thomas Ernest Dege, 86, of Alpena passed away Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

Thomas was born in Alpena on Aug. 12, 1931 to the late John and Kathleen (Ryan) Dege. In 1953, Tom graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in mechanical engineering. On June 13, 1953 he married Barbara Hinkley, together they raised five children. She preceded him in death on June 29, 1988. He married Patricia (Murphy) Gapske on Oct. 14, 1989. Tom worked for the Chrysler Corporation until his retirement in 1996. He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and the Presque Isle Men’s Club. Tom enjoyed fixing things, refinishing furniture, hunting and never met a dessert he didn’t love. He will be remembered for being a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

Surviving are his wife Patricia; five children, Michael (Alyson Burleigh) Dege, Kathleen Dege, Patrick (Kimberly Polite) Dege, Thomas Dege, Christopher (Stephanie Wilcock) Dege; Pat’s four children, Steven (Patricia) Gapske, Craig Gapske, Paul Gapske, Susan (Dave) Barker; 10 grandchildren, Ryan (Elizabeth) Wanttaja, Katelyn Wanttaja, Aaron Dege, Orion Dege, Gabriella Dege, Zoe Dege, Alyssa (Neal) Benson, Nolan Gapske, Jarrett Barker, Matthew Barker; great-granddaughter, Gertrude Wanttaja; sister-in-law, Betty Romel; several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Dege was preceded in death by a brother, J. Alfred Dege and two sisters, Ann Kowalski and Mary Donajkowski.

Mr. Dege is at the Bannan Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Thursday from 2-8 p.m. with a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday at St. Bernard Church of All Saint Parish from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. Joseph Muszkiewicz officiating.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Hospice of Michigan, The Friendship Room or St. Vincent de Paul Society.