Thomas William Krell

Thomas William Krell, 82, of Royal Oak, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025.
Thomas, known to many as Tom, was born on March 25, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, to Ernest and Adelaide Krell. From a young age, Tom was deeply devoted to his faith. After graduating from the University of Detroit High School, he received a scholarship to study pre-medicine at Xavier University; however, as he considered his future, he felt drawn to serve God as a Catholic priest.
Tom earned a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from Sacred Heart Seminary and went on to study Sacred Theology at St. John Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan. He was ordained to the Catholic priesthood at the Archdiocese of Detroit's Blessed Sacrament Cathedral on June 7, 1969. His first assignment was at Visitation Parish, followed by service as co-pastor with Fr. Robert Ruedisueli at St. Ambrose, and later as pastor of St. Gabriel Parish. During his 17 years as a Catholic priest, Tom touched countless lives through his compassion, guidance, and unwavering commitment to his ministry.
It was during this time that Tom met the love of his life, Ms. Sandra (Sandy) Skinner-Stevenson. They shared a long and thoughtful relationship as Tom prayerfully discerned how to honor both his devotion to the Church and his love for Sandy. Ultimately, Tom came to understand that he could continue his ministry in a new and equally meaningful way. He and Sandy were married on September 26, 1987, at St. Columba Episcopal Church in Detroit. Together, they shared 38 years of a joyful, abundant, and deeply loving marriage.
After his marriage, Tom chose to extend his calling to care for others through a career in nursing. He graduated from the Wayne State University School of Nursing and was hired by Henry Ford Hospital, where he found his vocation as a hospice nurse. In this role, Tom blended his medical expertise with his pastoral heart, offering comfort, dignity, and spiritual presence to patients and families at the end of life. He retired in 2005.
Tom remained actively engaged in ministry throughout his life. His service included marriage preparation, prison ministry, clown ministry, Cursillo/DeColores, and continued parish involvement. After retirement, he was received into the Episcopal Church by The Rt. Rev. Wendell Gibbs. He served on the staff of St. David's Episcopal Church in Southfield, including roles as an associate and in pastoral care. He also joyfully filled in at various Episcopal churches throughout metropolitan Detroit.
Tom always lived as a true lover of life. He embraced many passions and hobbies, especially savoring the wonderful meals prepared by his wife Sandy—often remarking that "she never made the same meal twice." He loved reading, playing cards, sailing, acting, singing, playing the piano, attending theater and opera, and traveling widely. Tom and Sandy shared their love of theater as active members of the Stage Crafters community theater in Royal Oak, Michigan, performing in and directing countless productions. Above all, Tom cherished his family and friends, especially the times when they gathered around the piano singing and laughing together. Every aspect of his life was guided by his love of God. The impact of this love on others was profound. He helped many people deepen their relationship with God through his presence, kindness, and faith.
Tom spent the last two years of his life at the Avalon of Commerce Township, where he was lovingly cared for by the dedicated staff and directors. During this time, the Avalon community encouraged Tom to continue sharing his ministerial gifts, allowing him to serve the spiritual needs of fellow residents.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Krell; his daughter, Elizabeth (David) Buchanan; his daughter-in-law, Chitomi Stevenson; his grandsons, Jatomis, Joseph (Becky), and Samuel Stevenson; his granddaughters, Jennifer (Craig) Spencer, Danielle Buchanan, Bethany (Jeremy) Clymer, and Tara Buchanan; his sisters, Marilyn Lee and Mary Joyce (Lance) Waite; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Adelaide Krell; his brother-in-law, John Lee; and his beloved son, James Stevenson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 27, beginning with visitation at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 12:00 p.m. at St. David's Episcopal Church in Southfield, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Detroit Concert Choir (https://www.detroitconcertchoir.org/join-give/make-a-gift), Detroit PBS (https://donate.detroitpbs.org/detroitpbs/tribute), Stage Crafters of Royal Oak (https://www.stagecrafters.org/support-us/donate.html), or St. David's Episcopal Church, Southfield, Michigan (https://www.stdavidssf.org/give).