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Obituaries » Thomas J. Stobie
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A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St. Kalamazoo. Tom will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Centrica Care Navigators or the Appalachian Service Project. Tom’s legacy of compassion, service, and unwavering belief in young people lives on in all those he inspired.
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Thomas “Tom” John Stobie, 78, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, surrounded by family. A loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and lifelong educator, Tom dedicated his life to serving students and making a positive impact on everyone he met.
Born on December 19, 1946, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Barbara Cooper and Laurie Wilson Stobie. Tom grew up with his beloved sisters Elizabeth (Mike) Neckel, Margaret (Jerry) Hatfield, and Kimberly (Mike) Hilobuk. He married Marcia Bontekoe, in 1967—the same year he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Following his service, Tom graduated from Eastern Michigan University and began a distinguished career in education.
He began as a special education teacher and football and baseball coach in Frankfort, MI. He later spent the majority of his career in Jackson, MI, serving as a football coach, assistant principal, proud principal of Jackson High School, and ultimately as assistant superintendent. He returned to Frankfort to finish his professional journey as superintendent of Frankfort Schools. He remained engaged in public service and ran for Michigan State Representative in 2014.
In 2018, Tom and Marcia moved to Kalamazoo, MI, to be closer to family. He was a proud member of Rotary and an active member of the First United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Frankfort American Legion.
Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marcia; daughters Cheryl (Steve Branch) Ennis and Catherine “Katy” (Martin) Velten; and his cherished grandchildren: Alexandra “AJ” (Alek Williams) Ennis, Thomas “Jack” Ennis, William “Liam” Ennis, Garrett Ennis, Annabelle Velten, and Natalie Velten.
