Rev. Fr. Thomas L. Poisson

He was born in Lake Linden, Michigan on September 12, 1937, the son of Leo Joseph Poisson and Esther Marie (Frazer) Poisson. Fr. Tom completed his undergraduate schooling in 1957 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and immediately after high school, he entered the Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist Province where he served for the next 16 years.

Brother Andre, as he was called in religion, then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and attended Xavier University from 1969-1970 and then the College of Mt. St. Joseph from 1970-73, graduating with a B. A. in Religious Education. He felt the call to become a priest and entered the seminary of Pope John XXIII in Weston, Massachusetts in 1973. He was ordained for the Diocese of Marquette on July, 1, 1978 at St. Joseph Church in Lake Linden by Bishop Mark Schmitt. He primarily served as a priest in the Diocese of Marquette until he gained Senior Priest status in 2002.

Father Tom also spent a number of years in his retirement preaching for Cross Catholic Outreach headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. The proceeds of this work went to help the destitute poor and the missionaries who ministered to them in Third World countries.

Father Tom’s charismatic personality along with his quick wit and open honesty made him a favorite in all places he served. He was also known for his open sense of hospitality and for his exceptional culinary skills that he acquired while serving as a Franciscan Brother.

Father Tom enjoyed traveling within the United States and abroad. He often mentioned that he had Gypsy blood. He made numerous friends everywhere he traveled and spoke highly of them, as they did of him. While at home, he often tended to his beautiful flower gardens.

Father Tom is preceded in death by his mother and father, Leo and Esther Poisson and his brother Robert Poisson. Surviving is his niece, Renee Poisson-Foster and nephew Robert A. Poisson. He is also survived by his grand nieces, Dr. Christine Poisson Kado, Elizabeth Poisson, and Dr. Eliza Foster as well as great grand nephews and nieces, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 13th beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church in Houghton. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church at 11 a.m. with Rev. Timothy Ekaitis presiding and concelebrated by priests of the Diocese of Marquette. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass in the church hall. Rite of Committal will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Lake Linden after the luncheon.

This verse describes the kindness provided to all by Father Tom: Matthew 25:40 The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Father Tom is deeply loved and missed by so many.

The family suggests memorials to:

St. Joseph Association Priests Retirement Fund 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette MI 49855-8851 Sisters of Mercy, St. John Bosco, Mrs. Carolyn Rowland, Financial Officer 6717 Hickory Hammock Circle, Bradenton FL 34202 (869)743-0096 Cross Catholic Outreach, PO Box 273908, Boca Raton FL 33427-3908 (800)914-2420