Thomas A. Olkkonen

Thomas Arne Olkkonen was the second child and only boy born to Lee (Evelyn née Strieleman) and Aarne Olkkonen in Lapeer, Michigan on February, 2nd 1938. From his early childhood days in Lapeer and Wyandotte, Michigan, music played a critical role in his life. His name was even chosen after the English composer Thomas Arne, paying homage to his own parents' love of music and his father Aarne. His parents, father a music teacher and mother a musician in her own right, instilled a love and passion for music that carries on through his own children and grandchildren.
Interlochen Center for the Arts was where the family spent most of their summers surrounded by the music and melodies of the country's finest young musicians. In the land of the stately pines he rose from camper, to counselor, to Director of the Junior Boys division. As an older adult he returned as a parent to a camper and Interlochen Arts Academy graduate.
He obtained his bachelor's degree in education from Northern Michigan College and served three years as a private in the US Army beginning his service stationed in Fort Benning, GA and completing his service in Michigan. His time in the service provided more relevance in his retirement as he found solace after his wife's passing among his fellow veterans at the local VFW in Lafayette, CO.
He and his wife Carole may not have found each other until later in life but their union was one that created a loving and devoted family, to each other and their children. Their mutual love of sailing took them from their home in Traverse City, MI to the vibrant blue waters of the Caribbean. Spending almost a decade aboard their beloved sailing vessel Moonrise they traveled with their cat Cutter throughout the sea making fond memories and long lasting friendships.
It was from one of these friendships that provided them their Best Man, Bob, and Matron of Honor, Marta, at their wedding in Grayling, Michigan.
He called many states home: Michigan, Florida, North Carolina and Colorado.
Throughout his life his identity was shaped by many of the things that brought him joy, served as his professions, and founded his passions. Sailor, baker, horn player, camper and counselor, carpenter, thespian, Finn, golfer, machinist, singer, Army veteran, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, son.
His mother's profession as a florist led him to be extremely adept at sending flowers for the loveliest expressions of support, condolence, congratulations and celebration.
He wanted to be known for how caring he was, even if he could come off as a curmudgeon. Family was the most important thing to him and he wants for them all to find happiness and contentment in their lives.
He passed away on Tuesday, September 17th shortly before the full moonrise with his daughter Dana and granddaughter Evelyn by his side. The sounds of a sailboat on the water carried him away.
He is preceded in death by his wife Carole Strickler, brother-in-law Hank Clow, and his parents. He is survived by his daughter Dana Olkkonen, his grandchildren Evelyn Radel, Stratton Radel and Gia Sagrillo, his step-daughters Lee Strickler, Katherine Strickler, Kerry Strickler and step-son Bill Strickler, his sons-in-law Jeremiah Radel and Travis Sagrillo, his sister Pat Clow, niece Petreena Clow and nephew Aarne Clow, four great nephews and their families and his dear cat Skipper.
The family suggests memorials be made to Interlochen Center for the Arts where a scholarship will be established in Tom's name either online at this link or mailed to Interlochen Center for the Arts, P.O. Box 199, Interlochen, MI 49643, Memo fields/online comments should include that all gifts are in honor of Tom Olkkonen.
Interment services will be scheduled at a later date in Louisville, CO.
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