Thomas J. Stobie
December 19, 1946 – May 11, 2025
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.
Obituary
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.
To the Stobie Family, I had the pleasure of working with Tom when he was the Superintendent at Frankfort-Elberta. During that time, I –like many others– developed an apprecaition of his wit and wisdom. He was a great educator and person. He touched many lives. Know of my prayers.
Marcia, and Stobie family, Tom was such a special person. He was a friend and career guide. I was fortunate to live by his guidance, enjoy his friendship, share a laugh and be amazed as he told stories of military experiences and life an as leader in education administration. He shared his talents as President of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. He represented its members with skill and tact.
Dear Stobie Family- All of you in some ways have been a part of our lives. My prayers and thoughts continue for all of you as you mourn the loss of husband, Dad, Grandfather and more. Tom changed my life in education. I love the profession as much as he and many others, but he offered me opportunities beyond most. The faith and support he provided me with as I developed new ideas to provide students with so many opportunities was unwavering. He is a legacy in so many ways. May God bless you for supporting him in so many life experiences that touched so many. Mary Belknap