THOMAS M. KAMINSKI

Tom was born on July 7, 1928 in Alpena, Michigan to the late Michael and Anna (Izbrandt) Kaminski. Tom married Shirley (Convay) Aug. 27, 1949 in Alpena, Michigan. They spent 66 years of marriage together prior to her passing Sept. 22, 2015.

He attended St. Mary’s Catholic grade school, graduating from Alpena High School after sailing as an oiler for several seasons on the Great Lakes freighters prior to graduation. Tom was employed by the FW Woolworth Company and was in the first group of married men that were drafted into the Korean War. After two years in the United States Army, including one year of Korean War service, Tom returned home to his position at FW Woolworth. Shortly thereafter, he re-enlisted in the Air National Guard where he was stationed at Phelps Collins Air National Guard base where he completed 33 years of service prior to his retirement in Feb. of 1986.

Tom was very active in his community and numerous organizations within St. Mary Catholic Church. He was a member of the parish council serving as the first president, an usher, lector, minister of the Eucharist, and worked on numerous fundraisers for the parish. He was a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alpena serving as the president of the District Council of the Society. Tom was a Fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus being very active in all activities. Tom and Shirley loved any excuse for hosting a get together at their cottages at Misery Bay and Long Lake. Tom enjoyed spending time with his family out at Windy Hill in Posen, including his only grandson’s garden and his “Kaminski Girls” dancing in the yard.

Tom is survived by his son Steve (Donna) Kaminski, his grandson Eric (Kara) Kaminski, and his cherished great-granddaughters Paige and Eva Kaminski all of Alpena, sister Marie Kaminski of Alpena, and brother Richard (Diana) of San Marcos, California. “Uncle Tom” also had much love for several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for visitation on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022 at the Karpus, Hunter & Ross Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus presentation and Parish Prayer Service beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022 at St. Anne Catholic Church of All Saints Parish from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Fr. Michael Lingaur officiating.

Full military honors accorded by the VFW Post 2496 and the United States Air Force will take place graveside at Holy Cross Cemetery immediately following the service. In memory of Tom, memorials may be made to Friends Together and St. Vincent de Paul. Online condolences may be registered at karpushuntercares.com