Age 83, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, in St. Augustine, FL, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI on July 2, 1941, the son of the late Paul and Norine (Simonds) Fleckenstein. Tom was a kind and gentle man with a warm smile and wonderful sense of humor. He had a genuine desire to help and care for others, and his heart was always open to those in need. Tom graduated from University High in Kalamazoo Michigan, Class of 1959, where he excelled in sports and extracurricular activities. He was a four-year letterer for basketball, track and field, and football. After graduating he served in the Army Reserves and then began working for Verdries Nursing Home in Kalamazoo. His life experience here would provide him with the skills needed to become a nursing home administrator. In 1989, Fleck moved to St. Augustine, FL, and continued his career in healthcare which spanned over fifty years. Fleck never lost his desire to stay active, and he held a love for all things slow-pitch softball. He became a legend in the sport throughout the states of Michigan and Florida and held a vast knowledge of the game. Through the years he pitched on many teams in Kalamazoo and Otsego, including the Alloy Steel/Wash Daze team who won the 1986 state championship in the Class C Division. As he aged, Fleck transitioned to Senior Softball in both Michigan and Florida playing in the 50, 60, 70 and 80’s age brackets. While playing at these levels in both states, he helped win local, state and national titles and made wonderful memories. Though he loved softball, he had many joys outside of the field as well. He loved sports and played racquetball, golf and bowling. He looked forward to taking yearly trips to the Upper Peninsula and to Key West. Summer days were filled with sunsets, kayak rides, jet skiing and boating at his home on Crooked Lake. His front door was always open, and Tom loved to have family and friends visit the cottage. In the winter season he enjoyed snowmobile trips to Cadillac. Fleck rarely traveled alone and was often accompanied by his loyal Golden Retriever “Bud”. Tom also took time for peace and quiet and could often be found sitting outside reading a good book. Above all his greatest love was his family and friends. To know Tom was to love him and he leaves behind wonderful memories of a life well lived. In 1965 he married Mary Perry and later in 1985 he was united in marriage to Marilyn Ollis, both survive. He is also survived by two children Cammy Fleckenstein and Kevin Fleckenstein; three grandchildren, Emily, Ethan, Brandon; one great-grandson, Evan; nieces and nephews, Kim (Richard) Jones, Susan (John) Sterling, Brian (Michelle) Fleckenstein, Cindy (Randy) Howard; several great nieces and nephews; many friends and special neighbors. He was also preceded in passing by a brother and sister-in-law, Paul “Jim” (Evon) Fleckenstein.