Thomas R. Oberlink

OBERLINK, Thomas R.
Of Kalamazoo

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