SCHIESTEL, THOMAS MICHAEL – of Columbiaville, Michigan, age 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully into God’s arms on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Tom was born in Flint, MI, on January 5, 1944, son of Wilfred and Pauline (Mathis) Schiestel. He married the love of his life of 60 years, Nancy Gerger, in Birch Run, MI, beginning a partnership that would span decades and exemplify deep love and commitment. Tom spent 30 years working at AC in Flint, MI, where he worked diligently until his well-earned retirement in 1995. His strong work ethic and easygoing nature earned him the respect and admiration of those he worked with.
Tom’s love for life was as big as his heart. His lively personality, infectious laugh, and ability to make every person feel important made each day brighter for those around him. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren and found great joy and pride in being a husband, dad, and grandfather.
A man of deep Catholic faith, Tom found peace in the outdoors. An avid hunter, he loved sitting in his hunting blind, rosary in hand, praying for others. His devotion to the Blessed Virgin was unwavering. He lovingly called her “his girl,” and through sharing his “My Mother, My Confidence” medallions, he offered comfort and hope to many. A steadfast advocate for the unborn, Tom was a man who lived his values with grace and conviction. May he rest in eternal peace, embraced by the Blessed Virgin and the loving God he faithfully served.
Tom and Nancy traveled the world to pray at the graves of fallen military heroes. He held profound respect for all who served and never let a veteran pass without saying, “Thank you for your service.” His commitment to honoring their sacrifice was a calling he lived wholeheartedly.
Tom found great joy in helping others. He dedicated over 30 years volunteering at Outreach East and Andy’s Attic, always ready to lend a hand, a smile, or a heartfelt conversation. His gift for making people feel seen and valued was one of his greatest qualities. Everywhere he went, he greeted others with kindness.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy, his daughters Christine (Dale) Swoish, Diane Moore, and Marilyn (Steven) Netter, his grandchildren Thomas Swoish, Elizabeth (Riley) Schank, Megan Moore, Kaitlyn Moore, Allison Moore, Kenneth Moore, Scott Netter and Lauren Netter, his brother William R. (Donna) Schiestel, his sister Marilyn Ex, his in-laws David (Rita) Gerger, Janine (Paul) Maddock, Karrie Gerger; and many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred and Pauline Schiestel, his brothers William E. Schiestel and Lawrence Schiestel, other family members Mathew and Joan Gerger, Duane Ex, Donna J. Schiestel, James and Patricia Herzberg, Donald and Pennie Gerger, and Daniel Gerger.
The family will receive visitors starting at 2 PM Friday, October 31, 2025, with a rosary at 7 PM, at Allen Funeral Home, 9136 Davison Road, Davison, MI. On Saturday, November 1, 2025, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 PM, with visitation one hour prior, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 404 North Dayton Street, Davison, MI; Rev. Fr. Andrew A. Czajkowski; Celebrant. Burial following at St. John’s Catholic cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Outreach East in Davison in honor of Tom.
Special thanks to caregivers Joanna, Hollie, and Christina.