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Thomas William Springs, 88, a lifelong resident of Alpena passed away peacefully at his home on July 10, 2022.
Tom was born Nov. 18, 1933, in Alpena to the late Arthur and Elizabeth (Goudy) Spring. He graduated from Alpena High School in 1952. That same year, he began his career with Besser Company as a machinist apprentice. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, he advanced to the engineering department as senior draftsman. In 1962, Tom was promoted to senior product designer and later became a project engineer. He designed cams for concrete products machines. He worked at the development center for 15 years. During that time, he was the recipient of three patents related to the Besser Block Machines and equipment. In 1981, he accepted the position of tool engineering supervisor, which is the job from which he retired in 1992. Following retirement, Tom and Elita enjoyed traveling to many places to visit family.
Tom married Elita Kraft on Sept. 3, 1955, and they created a loving and encouraging home. They created a strong partnership in raising their six children Randy (Jean) Springs, Leslie Springs, Michael (Bev) Springs, Linda (Mark) Via, Mary Zbytowski, Greg Springs; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Tom's fondest memories were watching his children play on the beach at the family cottage on Long Lake and of long pontoon rides. It was a favorite tradition for Tom to walk his grandchildren to Seymour's Grocery for candy every summer when the children visited the cottage, a tradition handed down from his father, who took his grandchildren to Gappa's store for candy. Tom could fix anything, and his greatest pleasure was helping his boys with projects, be it rewiring a cottage, building a shed, fixing a boat motor or splitting wood, a real jack-of-all trades. He built his home on Brentwood Drive and raised his six children there. He was a most loving Dad, had very high standards of honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic which he instilled in his children.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Elita; grandson, Joshua Zbytowski; sisters, Jane Stosick and June Paul.
Memorial visitation will take place Thursday at Bannan Funeral Home from 4-7 p.m. and where a memorial service will be held Friday at 1 p.m. with Deacon Michael Roy officiating.
Inurnment: Holy Cross Cemetery
Memorials: Friendship Room