Thomas Nick Popovich

Thomas Nick Popovich Thomas Nick Popovich, 87, a lifelong Battle Creek resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence on Wednesday, January 13, 2010. He was born April 18, 1922 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Nicholas Tomas and Milica (Raseta) Pupuvac Popovich. Tom grew up loving sports, especially baseball. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School, where he lettered three years and was captain of the baseball, basketball and football teams. He attended Lawrence Technical College two years and was then drafted by the U.S. Marine Corps, proudly serving in WWII and Korea. Tom retired from Hydreco. He owned and operated the Green Arrow Bar in Athens, where his kids learned the business. He was previously employed for Clark Equipment Company, Grand Trunk Western Railroad and Oliver Manufacturing., where he met the "Love" of his life, Madalyn V. Ensley. Tom and Madalyn were married in Battle Creek on October 25, 1952. He was preceded in death by Madalyn, his wife and companion of 53 years on November 14, 2006; by his parents and two sisters, Helen Stiejla and Smilia Popovich. Surviving are five children, Penelope (Brett) Formsma, Nicholas (Shelli) Popovich, Leslie (Mike Smith) Popovich, David Popovich, all of Battle Creek and Thomas (Cindy Turner) Popovich of Mishawaka, IN; grandchildren, Jeffrey Arms, Courtney (Matt) Hoelscher, Brooke (Mike) Budreau, Erika and Alexa Popovich and Thomas, Jordyn and Logan Popovich; and great-grandchildren, Madaline Hoelscher and Emma Budreau. His love for his family was bigger than his heart. His love of baseball continued throughout his life, playing baseball for Postum, Clark's, Oliver's and Behnke's; coaching his sons' teams from an early age to high school and then his grandson from the age of 8 to 18, coaching baseball for 73 years. Earlier in life he played basketball for The Mutual Club and Stroh's. At the request of the family, friends may call after 1:00 p.m. Sunday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where they will be received 1:00-3:00 & 5:00-7:00 p.m. Services to celebrate Tom's life will be held at the funeral home 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 18, 2010. Interment (with military honors) will be follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Scleroderma Foundation. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.