Thomas J. Gerou

Thomas was born in Marquette on January 18th, 1961. He was a graduate of Marquette Senior High School where he played basketball, ran track, and was an Honor student. He went on to Northern Michigan University to study Architectural Drafting.

Tom loved the outdoors, deer hunting at camp, duck hunting on Kawbawgam, and fishing most inland lakes in the region. He was a NASCAR fan, who loved the Tigers, Pistons, Redwings and cheering for the Lions in Packer country. Tom was a dog whisperer, having raised seven incredible springer spaniels – his buddy, Ella, will miss him. He recently participated in the Honor Flight with his father, who served in the Korean War.

He was employed by Northern Michigan University in the Building and Grounds Department for the past six years. Previously he worked for UPS for 22 years. He was known for always being kind, helping others, and practicing random acts of kindness.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Lisa Coombs-Gerou of Marquette and Milwaukee, WI; daughter, Nicole Gerou, and son-in-law, Brandon Churches, of Detroit, MI; his parents, Katherine and Jerry of Au Train, MI; sister, Tammy Gerou of Gilbert, AZ, and several nieces and nephews. He also is survived by his biological mother, Betty Steinbouer, and his stepbrother, Tim Snell and stepsister, Terri Young, all who reside in FL.

Tom’s family will greet relatives and friends at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 526 N. Third St., Marquette, on Friday, May 27th beginning at 11:30 a.m., until 1 p.m., where a celebration of Tom’s life will take place at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Andrew Plocher officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service in the funeral home.

Memorial Gifts can be made to the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight in Tom’s name, 7508 J Road, Gladstone, Michigan 49837.

Tom’s obituary can also be viewed at canalefuneral.com, where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.