Tom Spike Obituary
He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Dairy Science from Michigan State University in 1969 and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois in 1973.
After graduating, Tom devoted 15 years of his life to Spike Farms, an award-winning dairy farm in Michigan, before becoming an esteemed global research scientist with the Elanco Animal Health division of Eli Lilly in Greenfield, Indiana. He was a 4-H Dairy Club leader for many years, a talented woodworker, a skilled baker and candy maker, a man who could fix or repair anything, a wonderful father and grandfather, devoted husband and mentor.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Edith (Bill) Kettler and Patricia (John) Talsma.
He leaves behind his cherished wife of 53 years, Barbara Flack Spike; four children, Jennifer Kohn, Jessica (Darren) Gravelle, Ben (Ananda) Spike, and Hillary (Dustin) Close; five grandchildren, Miles and Mason Gravelle, Sawyer Kohn, Henry and Harper Close; sister, Diann Jenkins; brothers, Richard (Madelon) Spike and William (Deb) Spike; many nieces and nephews.
No formal funeral service will be held. A Celebration of Life for this extraordinary man will be announced in the spring at the residence, Ivy Manor, Cambridge City, Indiana.
Friends may consider contributions to 4-H at in4h.org, mi4hfdtn.org or Western Wayne Dollars for Scholars westernwayne.dollarsforscholars.org.
Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home has been entrusted with Tom's arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tom Spike, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Dave Nay
January 16, 2026
With responsibilities for the largest concentration of dairy cows in the world I had many "dealings" with Tom. I´m so sorry for his loss.
Dave Nay
JULES D'ASSONVILLE
January 15, 2026
Dear Barb, Ben, Hillary, Jenn, and family,
Our hearts are with you as we remember and celebrate the life of our dear friend Tom. May the sadness never outweigh the joy of having known him as a husband, father, and colleague. We wish you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to hold forever in your hearts.
It was truly an honor to know Tom both as a friend and colleague. We will always cherish the wonderful times and laughter our families shared at Ivy Manor and at the cabin he renovated with such skill and care.
One memory we hold especially dear is the day we were barbequing outside at Ivy Manor. Our then five-year-old son, Arnaud, came running from the horse paddock shouting, "Help, my skeleton left me!" Tom and I soon discovered that our daughter had dared him to touch the hotwired fence. The moment sparked Arnaud´s memory of a cartoon series where skeletons lit up after being zapped by lightning. It´s a story that brought us all laughter and has stayed with us ever since.
It is so hard to lose someone who meant so much to all of us. Please know that we are with you in spirit now and in the days and weeks ahead.
With deepest sympathy and warm regards,
Jules, Mariette/Christina, Arnaud, Rumond and Delyon.
Flavea Reis
January 9, 2026
Flavea Reis
January 9, 2026
Barb and the entire family,
I struggle to find words that can truly express the depth of sorrow and gratitude to have the chance to create moments with Tom and Barb.
What began as mentorship grew into a bond rooted in mutual respect, affection, and shared values. The love and care he showed extended beyond professional life and embraced our families, creating connections that will endure across generations.
His sudden departure has left a silence that is hard to understand. Yet, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the example he set. I will carry his teachings in my work, his kindness in my heart, and his friendship as a lifelong gift.
He will be deeply missed, always remembered, and forever honored.
Barb and family, God is with you and I hope you find strength and courage in the love you shared, comfort in the memories you hold, and peace in knowing that his life left a profound and lasting mark on all of us. You do not walk this path alone - his spirit lives on through you and through everyone whose life he transformed.
Flavea, Jaco, Felippe, Ronaldo and Lucinha.
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Leah D. Hooper
January 9, 2026
Tom Spike was such an incredible human being and one of the most genuinely humble and compassionate people I have had the honor to know. My mind is flooded with memories of Tom at Ivy Manor and the cabin in Michigan. I have cherished memories of pipes and puzzles, tri-tips and other delectable eats, deer families and mergansers, Shiraz and salsa de Spike-O.
I am so deeply saddened by the news of Tom´s passing. I send my condolences to Barb and their family. I can scarcely fathom the effect Tom´s absence will have on you. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
All my love, Leah
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