Thomas J. Donckers

Tom was born on May 13, 1951, in Marquette, to the late Frank and Elizabeth (Anderson) Donckers.

Tom was a member of the last class to graduate from Bishop Baraga Central High School, in 1969. He then attended Northern Michigan University before going into business with his father in the family confection business known as Donckers Candies & Candles until his father retired in 1987. Tom then relocated to the state of Colorado, where he was employed as a big game guide and outfitter, a position he held until moving back to Marquette, in 2008. At the time of his death, he was employed at Northern Michigan University as lead custodian in the Devos Art Museum and Arts and Design building.

Tom’s lifelong passion was baseball in all of its forms. He was a member and sponsor of many softball teams and was also on a couple of state championship teams. After injuries caused him to retire from active playing, he became an umpire for the game he loved. He held NCAA certification as a hardball umpire and also officiated on the high school level. Tom was a widely respected softball umpire and officiated in many different leagues around the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin.

In his free time, Tom enjoyed hunting, sharing a cold beer with friends and always having a good story to tell.

He is survived by one son, Fritz (Gabrielle) Donckers of St. Ignace; five grandchildren, Kyla, Lucas, Madison, Jean and Daphne; a brother, Frank (Linda) Donckers of Marquette, as well as, several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death besides his parents was his younger brother, Robert Donckers.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 24, at 11 a.m. at the Holy Cross Cemetery, in Marquette, with Deacon Don Thoren officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tom’s name to the Richard M. Jopling Post 44, of the American Legion Baseball Program, in Marquette.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Donckers family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.