Thomas J. Houseman, 60, of Rapid River, passed away Friday evening at Christian Park Healthcare Center in Escanaba, following a lengthy illness and complications following a motorcycle accident in Del Rio, Texas in Dec. 2007.
He was born on July 18th, 1948 in Monroe, MI and was the son of John P. and Kathryn L. Houseman. Tom grew up on a farm in Britton, Mi, graduated from Britton-Macon high school in 1967, and moved to the farm in the Upper Peninsula shortly thereafter. He was a graduate of Bay de Noc Community College in 1970 and also attended Northern Michigan University. He worked various mechanical jobs, including Escanaba Machine Company and most recently retired from St. Francis Hospital after 23 years of service.
After retiring, Tom spent his winters in Del Rio, Texas and summers in Michigan. Tom enjoyed traveling and drove his self-constructed camper and motorcycle all over the U.S. His travels have taken him through all 49 continental states; he especially enjoyed the southwest and National Parks. He was an inventor, innovator, fabricator, electrician and farmer in both upper and lower Michigan. His hobbies included riding his motorcycle, reading and he was an avid movie buff. Tom very much enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews.
Tom is survived by:
His brother, David L. Houseman (Ruth) of Rapid River, MI
Two sisters, Ruth A. Dalby (Terry) of Denver, CO and Mary K. Sebastian (Mark) of Fowlerville, MI
Six nieces and nephews (Kathryn, Joe, Erin, Sean, Ryan, and Christopher)
Three great-nieces and nephews
Great aunts and uncles and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents.
Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Thomas John Houseman will follow at 3:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. Devon Barrix of the Faith Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow at the Perkins Cemetery in Perkins. Memorial donations can be made to the Rock Food Pantry.
