Thomas Ploeger

There is no time on earth long enough to share with those you love or to prepare our hearts for good bye. This man touched my life and will forever be a part of me. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the lucky family who experienced his love for so long.

So sorry for your loss. What beautiful union, art and music. Tom will be missed.

Deep sympathy to his family.

Ralph Bruett, fellow graduate Lakeview High 1958

So sorry to hear sad news of Toms passing. I did not know him, well but enjoyed Music of his group at Clinton River Boat Club Commodores Balls through the years.

Tom Ploeger

When we are young we don't know the influence that some people will have on our lives. Tom's influence on me started in fifth grade when Tom talked me into playing trombone. It was a way for me to stand out in a musical way and set a pattern for my life. To stand out in a way that was unique.

Tom introduced many of us to the music of jazz in and outside the classroom. This changed me forever.

When I think of all of us in band, and all the experiences we had together, to me, it was part of our existence. Interwoven in the fabric of our lives.. Thank you Tom for being a great teacher to us all.

Dear Erlann & Family, we're so sorry for your loss. Tom was a good & kind man, that blessed all that knew him. You will continue to be in our thoughts & prayers! May God keep you in his tender care ♥. Rick & Sharlene Dybowski

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I met Mr. Ploeger when I was in 7th grade at Ottawa JHS and we were friends ever since. Tom's band played at my Wedding! The "Coolest" teacher ever! God Bless you Mr. P...thanks for being there! My Condolences to the Ploeger Family.

Tom was a fresh out of college new teacher at Ottawa Jr. High when I was in 8th. grade. He was a true inspiration to a naive young trumpet player. As time passed I continued to play and over the 'decades' had a chance to play gig with Tom. He continued to ba an inspiration as a great player and a true gentleman! His musical legacy will continue, but he will be greatly missed. I am sorry for your loss.
Ron Jimison
LHS-'68
(and many gigs with Tom)

We loved being with you and Tom in CBS. You are a beautiful couple and his talent and wit will be missed by all. Praying for your family!
PS I'm sure he will be first chair in heaven's jazz band!

I have wonderful memories of playing with Tom. He was a wonderful musician and band leader. I am saddened to hear of his transition. Your family is in my prayers during this difficult time. Janice Franco

Dear Erlann and family, we are deeply saddened to learn of Tom's passing. Know that you are in the hearts, minds and prayers of the Detroit jazz community, and friends at the Greater Detroit Jazz Society. Tom was a loving husband, father, and a truly great jazz musician. He will be deeply missed. Our love to you.

It was always great to work with Tom. A gentleman and a wonderful musician. Condolences to his family
Gordon Stump- musician

Dear Erlann, Mary had advised me about Tom last week and I was hoping for the best. I am so very sorry for your loss and will keep your and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Ploeger was my band director at Ottawa Jr. High. He gave me my first opportunity to tutor elementary students (Flute) when I was only in 9th grade myself. It was the beginning of the road to my life as a teacher/performer, which is still my path as a freelance musician. Thanks Tom. My sincere condolences to the Ploeger family at this sad time. Peace.
Helen (Doychich) Near, former student
Harper Woods, MI
March 14, 2019

My dear Erlann. I know the pain you feel. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

I was one of hundreds that had the opportunity to play with Tom. None the less he always made me feel important and encouraged me in so many ways.When you become a friend of Tom's you are immediately integrated into his entire family.And a blessing it was...Something special about all of them.I met Tom through the great singer Lauri Moore.She put in a good word about me and I will forever be in her debt.I need to stop typing because I am already tearing up.Thankyou dear God for loaning him to us that needed a leader and mentor.I for one will never forget how he and the entire Ploeger Family reached out and helped me up when I was broken.I will always hear his voice. Rick Wearing

So sorry to hear about Mr Ploegers passing. I know the emptiness you must all feel right now. There are so many great memories with your family- the boat rides on Lake St Clair, sitting in the jacuzzi in freezing weather -to name a few. Your family was always so welcoming and it always felt so warm at your house. I am truly sorry you are all feeling this pain right now.

My condolences to Tom's family. He was always kind to me & I appreciated that.

Mr Ploeger was one of my all time favorite teachers. Always patient and encouraging. He made band class and even private lessons fun while pushing for the best we could achieve. My condolences to his family. Please know that he was loved and will be greatly missed by so many students he taught & befriended.

Tom was a great man and a wonderful musician whom I had the pleasure of knowing and working with for 50 years or so. Erlann, we are so sorry the you have lost him. God Bless. Richard & Sarah Boelter

I am sorry to hear of Mr. Ploeger's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers both in band and other subjects. May he Rest in Peace.

I will never forget spending Christmas evening at the Ploegers home. Such a warm, loving and generous family. Tom will be missed by so many. Prayers for the entire family.

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I knew Tom at Lakeview where I am still employed as a Social Worker. Tom was one of the first staff members I was introduced to by our principal at the time and Tom thought I was a music teacher. I laughed because I am not very musically inclined and let him know he would not want me to teach students. Tom was always very pleasant and made me feel welcome. The students seemed to love him. My condolences to the family.

47 years ago, Mr. Ploeger played an integral role in forming the man I am today. He encouraged my creativity, my individuality, my joie de vivre - these have all stood the test of time. Thank you, Mr. Ploeger! You made a difference in my life!

I am so sorry to hear of Tom Ploeger's passing. I have known him over 50 years. He was a terrific music teacher and a truly kind person. Deepest sympathies to his family.

The Gentlemen of Swing was fortunate to have Tom as one of their finest musicians. I treasure the time I had with Tom in our band. He will be sorely missed by all of us.

Erlann, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Tom was a wonderful person who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was such a caring, loving person and talented musician. We will always cherish our fond memories of Tom and he will be greatly missed. Love, Tom and Jackie Murdock

He will be sorely missed, with his kind spirit.
Such a loving husband, father and PaPa. And decorating partner to Erlann! His eternal life begins.......Hallelujah! Our prayers are for the entire family. Love always, Tom and Carolyn Essian

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Ploegers passing. He was such a good and loving father, talented musician, and wonderful neighbor. He will be sorely missed.