Thomas Fredderick DeNike

Thomas Fredderick DeNike Menominee Thomas Fredderick DeNike, 65, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, July 3, 2012. He was born on December 7, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Thomas F. and Ruth E. (Burns) DeNike Sr. Tom was a 1964 graduate of Williamston High School in Williamston, Michigan. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and in 1995 by his daughter, Lisa Marie. His sister and brother-in law, Elaine and Roger Sorenson of San Clemente, CA., DeNike and Secord family cousins, and his long-time dear friends, Tom and Joan Latimer of Okemos, Michigan, survive him. A Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, Tom was an Aviation Maintenance Administrator (AZ2) on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Constellation. After his return home he completed his business education at Lansing Business School (now Davenport College) with a degree in higher accounting. After working in the private sector, Tom was elected and served as the Lansing Township's Clerk/Treasurer. In 1992 Tom was appointed as the City of Menominee's Clerk/Treasurer. He held that position until the time of his death. Tom played an important role in Menominee City government and will be deeply missed by those he worked with and the citizens he worked for. Tom contributed many countless volunteer hours to the Menominee Waterfront Festival as its treasurer and jack-of-all-trades. He was avid reader, enjoyed music and loved to talk about cars, history and politics, all of which he knew a great deal about. Tom could recall an almost limitless number of details from his lifetime. Tom enjoyed children and was "Uncle Tom" to many children in his neighborhood as well as children and grandchildren of his friends and co-workers. Tom was very proud of his service to the City of Menominee and to his Country. A Memorial Service celebrating Tom's life will be held on Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cadieu-Thielen Funeral Home, Menominee, MI. Deacon Vince Beckley will officiate. A time of gathering will be held at the funeral home from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the service at 6 p.m. Military Honors will be provided by the Twenty Year Club prior to the start of the service. The celebration of Tom's life will continue at the V.FW. Hall in Menominee immediately following the service. Tom's final resting place will be with his daughter Lisa Marie, at the Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing, Michigan. In lieu of flowers and other forms of sympathy, memorials to the Menominee Animal Shelter or a charity for children of your choice in Tom's name would be appreciated.