Thomas C. Krzemienski, age 71, of Sturgis, Michigan, passed away early Wednesday morning on October 1, 2014, at the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

He was born February 20, 1943, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, son of the late John and Genevieve (Mujwit) Krzemienski.

On December 30, 1967, he married Merry Suerth in Fremont, Michigan.

Tom resided in Sturgis since 1978 coming from St. Charles, Illinois. He also lived in West Hartford, Connecticut, St. Clair Shores, Michigan and Glassboro, New Jersey.

He was a graduate of Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. While a student at Michigan State, he excelled in football and was a four-year member of the MSU Spartan football team and two-time All American as a tight end. After graduation, he played semi-professional football for the Hartford Charter Oaks in Hartford, Connecticut.

He taught physical education and coached football at Warren Cousino High School. He retired from Owens-Illinois following 20 years of dedicated employment as Personnel Director. Following his retirement, he taught physical education at Holy Angels Catholic School in Sturgis. He was also a substitute teacher in St. Joseph County. Most recently, he was a driver’s training instructor in Sturgis and beloved by all of his students.

Tom was always ready to volunteer his time and talents wherever needed. His volunteer activities included Sturgis Kiwanis Club, Sturgis High School football chain gang, Sturgis Stingrays, and Sturgis High School swim meets. He also coached Little League Baseball and Sturgis Rocket Football. He enjoyed reading, playing golf and cheering for his MSU Spartans.

He is survived by his wife, Merry; two daughters: Anne (Paul) Ruppe and Beth (Marcel) Engler, both of Naperville, Illinois; one son: John Krzemienski of Minneapolis, Minnesota; five grandchildren: Alexanne, Danielle and Ethan Engler and Abigale and Benjamin Ruppe; seven sisters: Val, Patty, Carole, Eleanor, Toni, Dorothy, and Lorrie; two brothers: Ted and Stanley, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and four brothers.

Most recently, he attended the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Thomas C. Krzemienski will be held on November 15, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Michael Wicks and the Rev. Father Robert Wilhelm will officiate.

The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests a donation in Tom’s memory to the Sturgis Community Foundation, 310 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.