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Tom died living life at his home on July 17, 2003, while preparing to go to the Ann Arbor Art Fair. He was born May 18, 1944 in Flint, MI, the son of Ralph and Nola (Arnold) Oberlink. Tom graduated from Bentley High School in 1962; the University of Michigan in 1966, and earned his Masters from Western Michigan University in 1967. He taught for one year at Glenville College in West Virginia, before returning to Kalamazoo in 1968 to become a pioneer faculty member at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Tom was a member of the National Association of Social Sciences, and presented many times at their annual conferences. He was an enthusiastic and devoted student and teacher of life, in addition to Political Science. Tom respected his students and challenged them to reach their highest potential. He has touched countless lives. To him there were no insignificant people. He was generous, witty, playful, philosophical, self-less, loving, paternal, and had an outrageous sense of humor. To Scott and Jeff, he was their Dad. His mother, Nola, preceded Tom in death. Surviving are his father, Ralph (Fidelis) of Sun City, AZ; two sons, Scott (Julie) Oberlink of Evergreen, CO, and Jeff Oberlink of San Francisco, CA; a sister, Patricia (Gary) Marklund of Peoria, AZ; nephew, Mark Thomas Laube and niece, Amber (Mike) Marklund of Peoria, AZ; aunt, Leelee Roose of LaGrange Park, IL; and his two cats: Nada and Quai Chang. There will be no public visitation and cremation will take place. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, July 23rd 11:00 a.m. at the Dale B. Lake Auditorium, KVCC. A reception will follow the service. Please visit Tom's personal web page at www.life storynet.com where you can make a memorial contribution to the Thomas R. Oberlink Memorial Fund, c/o KVCC Foundation, or order flowers online. Arrangements by
BETZLER
FUNERAL HOMES
Stadium Drive, West of US-131
375-2900
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Jeff Oberlink
November 20, 2024
I miss my father every day, I hope he is proud of me...I wish he were here.
Nancy Sloan (Osborn)
October 21, 2023
My name is Nancy Sloan, formerly Osborn.
For all of JH and high school, I was alphabetically after Oberlink. We were good friends because of it. He was always fun. He loved life. I am sad his life ended prematurely. He was a wonderful man. My heart hurts thinking of it. Blessings on his family.
Lori Langeland
November 8, 2022
He is sadly missed
Loretta CipkusDubray
August 7, 2003
Tom was an inspiring member of my water exercise class at the YMCA. He adored the Frank Sinatra music I played and was curious and wanting to know about other music (Barry White, Marvin Gaye) which he was unfamiliar with. He came in late to class and left early, very much time attentive. Our classes adored his singing to the Frank Sinatra songs, and Cabaret. Thank you for sharing this fun guy in our classes!
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David and Geri Meyle
August 5, 2003
Tom was in our swim class at the Y in Portage, Michigan and we enjoyed his enthusiasm. He will be missed.
Joseph Sellers
July 26, 2003
I had a political science class with Mr. Oberlink and it was one of the most enjoyable classes that I've ever taken. The highest complement that I believe I can pay to his memory is to say, Tom Oberlink - Teacher. You will be very sorely missed but I'm very pleased to have known you.
Peter Sellers
Thomas Roose
July 22, 2003
Tom Oberlink was my cousin. I remember him as a very caring person with a great sense of humor. I will miss his friendship, support for all the "Arnold family" and love. In the last few years when I became a professional teacher, Tom seemed to really enjoy discussing approaches to teaching with me.
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