Thomas C. Malke

Thomas passed away Sunday, January 27, 2019 at New Hope Bay Assisted Living at the age of 92 years. Thomas was born in Marinette, Wisconsin on March 6, 1926 to the late Thomas and Ella (Nimergood) Malke. He was raised in Peshtigo, Wisconsin and graduated high school there in 1944. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII in the Pacific. After being honorably discharged he moved to Bay City in 1946. Thomas was an active member of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church. He married his first wife, the former Betty Zutter on December 11, 1948; she passed away on February 13, 1973. He then married the former Phyllis Mason on March 31, 1989. Thomas worked and retired as the Vice President of Midland Contracting Co. He was very active in the Bay City Lions Club. He was in the Operating Engineers Union for 65 years. He was also active in several associations including, Michigan Road Builders, Michigan Truckers and the South End businessmen. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, card playing and especially time with family and friends.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughters, Mary Jo (Ralph) Schmidt and Marcie (Gib) Sturm; six grandchildren, Stacie, Bethany, Brandon, Melissa, Amanda and Lauren; five great grandchildren, Faith, Keira, Zachary, Mason and Kamryn; step children, Carol (Ed) Wirt, Patricia (Jim) Rathje, Cathy (David) Beckemeier and Kenneth (fiancé Sue) Mason; thirteen step grandchildren and nineteen step great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Don Zutter and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his first wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by his infant son, Michael J. Malke and sister, Marilyn Barclay.
Funeral and Committal service will take place on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church. Officiating will be Pastor Richard Starr with private burial in Floral Gardens Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the Gephart Funeral Home on Thursday from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mr. Malke will be taken to the church to lie in state on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at New Hope Bay for the great care, kindness and compassion shown to our loved one. For online condolences www.GephartFuneralHome.com