Thomas Graves
MILWAUKEE, WI-Thomas ‘Tom’ Craig Graves, 62, of Marquette, MI, passed away after a short illness on June 12, 2025, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI.
Tom was born on November 24, 1962, to his parents George Edgar Graves, Jr. and Margaret ‘Maggie’ Graves.
Tom grew up in Midland, MI but spent his senior year of high school in Stephenson, MI, where he graduated from Stephenson High School. While in Stephenson, Tom joined the high school basketball team and was part of the 1981 Class C State Basketball Championship team. He attended Northern Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Secondary Education, majoring in history with a minor in political science.
Basketball was a part of Tom’s life from a young age. As a child, he was a ballboy at Northwood University. After college, Tom returned to Northwood University and was an assistant basketball coach and head golf coach for nine years. Tom also coached at Saginaw Valley State University, Northern Michigan University, and Ishpeming High School. He particularly enjoyed mentoring young players. Tom was the radio color commentator for both men’s and women’s basketball at Northern Michigan University.
Tom made Marquette his home. In addition to coaching, Tom held positions at Huntington National Bank, the Ramada Inn, and Marquette Golf Club.
Tom was a friend to many people and he valued those friendships. He enjoyed lively discussions about sports, history or politics, enjoyed going to the Y, taking long walks, golfing, and telling silly jokes. Tom loved his dogs, Barry, Rulo and Bubba. He greatly enjoyed his family and especially liked to tease his sister about snakes and spiders.
Tom is survived by his sister, Ann (William) Freund; four nieces, Shana (Kam) Schaberg, Melanie (Matt) Steinbarth, Maggie (David) Treml and Katie (Jake) Brunsberg; cousins, Gene Gustafson, Mike (Brenda) Gustafson, Jackie (Joe) Maher, and John Graves; 12 great nieces and nephews and many friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, George and Margaret Graves; his aunts and uncles, Rosemary and Carl Gustafson, Gerald and Janet Graves; grandparents, Ferdinand and Ellen Gustafson, and George and Alice Graves.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for September 6, 2025, in Marquette, MI. Details will be announced on Facebook at a later date.
Online condolences may be offered at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.