Thomas Carl Heidtman

SKANDIA, MI - Thomas Carl Heidtman, age 79, lifelong Skandia farmer, passed away Monday morning, June 5, 2023, at home.
Tom was born August 16, 1943, on the family farm in Skandia, to Carl and Jennie (Mahlanen) Heidtman. At an early age, Tom developed a strong work ethic as he took part in the daily farm life of milking cows, picking potatoes, and learning from the changing seasons the rhythm of farm life. He loved the farm where he grew up and it was where he built his home and raised his own family. He attended grade school at the Heidtman School, eventually graduating with his GED from the Marquette Alternative School years later. For a time, Tom was also employed with Superior Ground Support in the late 80's, but when the company relocated to Florida, Tom stayed back at the farm. He also worked for his uncle at Heidtman Logging and later was employed as assistant foreman at the Marquette Branch Prison's Mangum Farm until 2003 when he retired. Tom loved working in the woods and on the farm. He was a jack-of-all trades and could fix just about anything. While operating the farm, Tom also kept busy buying, selling, and fixing farm equipment and cars. This led to doing a lot of side jobs for family and friends, including some electrical work for his uncle. One of Tom's hobbies was the study of astrology and he often asked people he met for their birthdays so he would know their astrological sign. In many ways, Tom was a private man who basically minded his own business. To some he may have seemed stubborn, but to his family he possessed a heart of gold, was a loving father, and loved to joke around. He loved nothing better than passing on his values, knowledge, and skills to his children and grandkids. They were his partners on the farm and in the woods, working and learning beside him. Together, Tom and the kids enjoyed traveling all over to attend car shows and fairs where they showed their cattle, horses, and dogs. Throughout the years, Tom was a model for his children and grandkids of what responsibility, determination, and hard work was all about. From working in the woods making firewood to long hours on the farm, they learned many life lessons.
Tom is survived by his children, Heidi (James) Heidtman-Brest, Travis Heidtman, Jaimi (John) Parker, and Dustin Heidtman; his grandchildren, Tommy and Olivia; brothers, Robert Heidtman and David (Cory) Heidtman; his sister, Kathleen Heidtman; his aunt, Alice Heidtman; numerous nieces and nephews; and former wife and mother of his children, Deborah Dunlap.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by brothers, Kenneth Heidtman and Walter Heidtman; and a sister, Carol Harlock.
A gathering of family and friends, celebrating Tom's life and legacy, will be held at the Heidtman Farm, 243 Heidtman Road, Skandia, on Saturday, June 10, from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. This will be a time for the sharing of memories, conversation, and food.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com