Thomas Kullgren Obituary

Thomas Kullgren
Thomas Edward Kullgren passed to a new life on August 25, 2023. Tom was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan to parents Thomas Everett and Marjorie Doris. Following graduation from high school he was nominated to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) by Gerald R. Ford, graduating with the 6th USAFA class in 1964. He attended pilot training and flew seven different aircrafts during his 20-year career, including a tour as a Vietnam rescue helicopter pilot from 1967 to 1968. He also spent 12 years on the USAFA faculty during which he earned his master's degree from Stanford University and PhD from Colorado State University. After retirement from the US Air Force, he served 19 years as Dean of Science and Engineering at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), where he led national accreditation of their engineering programs, and another 15 years as a professor of mechanical engineering, finally retiring in 2019. In retirement he spent half of his years in Midland, Michigan working on his passion for acquiring historical aviation memorabilia and the other half in Tubac, Arizona where he built a western art collection. Tom is survived by his brother Robert (Joan), his daughter Kristin (Bryan Bezold), daughter Erin, son Jeffrey (Margaret Wolff), and son Ian. He has five loving grandchildren: Lydia, Dean, Gabriel, Charles, and Noah. A celebration of his life and legacy will be held at SVSU at a future date. Services with full military honors will also be held at the USAFA at a future date. Donations may be made to the Thomas E. Kullgren Engineering Scholarship at the SVSU Foundation. All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Kullgren family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences to the family may be made through our website at www.wswfh.com www.wswfh.com

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Published by Midland Daily News on Aug. 30, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Kullgren

8 Entries

Evan L. Ginsburg

December 18, 2024

I remember Tom as not only a good friend, but someone who I was always glad to see in the halls of Ottawa Hills. I remember him so well it is like he is going to walk into my office today and laugh with me. I have a strong memory of knowing when his parents died. When I heard about it and talked to Tom, he told me of his desire to attend a military college after high school. I have never told this story, but I will now. I called a friend of my Father's who he went to high school with, who at that time was in the government and told him about Tom. He said he would see if he could help. I don't know what Jerry Ford did, but I have always wondered if he helped. After he became our President, I never asked him. Tom was a great person both as a young friend and then as a success in life. I am pleased to know how well he did, and sorry to hear he is gone. He will live on in my memory as someone who helped me become who I am. Evan L. Ginsburg

Gary Morris

December 18, 2024

Missing my friend who was also my mentor since 1977 We were both Vietnam veterans which made us in a brotherhood like no other I miss you my friend and you are not forgotten Till we meet again brother

Bill Allen Allen Airways Flying Museum

August 24, 2024

Tom was a friend via Aviation collectibles and Farre paintings
- knew him for nearly 60 years

A fine, honest, interesting and a good man- God Bless his Soul !
Bill Allen - Allen Airways Flying Museum

Evan Ginsburg

August 24, 2024

I lost contact with Tom after high school. He was always a bright friendly person and someone I always enjoyed talking to. I don't remember Tom every saying anything derogatory about anyone, and was always cheerful. I am not surprised to hear of his success and know he will be missed. Even though I haven't seem Tom in over 65 years, he remains as a fond memory, and I offer my condolences to his family.

Bill Allen

December 29, 2023

Tom was a friend whom I acquired aviation items from for over 50 plus years. We last spoke a couple months ago.

A fine honest interesting man!!

Prayers for his family

Tom was a collector of some aviation art as well " Farre" - I also have been able to acquire some originals

We had aviation in common
Which grew into a near lifetime friendship

God Bless his wonderful Soul!

Willis M "Bill" Allen
Allen Airways Flying Museum
El Cajon CA 92020

Gary Morris

November 15, 2023

I met Tom in 1977 and he was my mentor when I began collecting WW1 aviation Both Vietnam vets and had a friendship for all these years I will miss our talks and it was my honor to have known you my brother You will be missed

Evan L. Ginsburg

October 3, 2023

I always considered Tom a good friend, and in his picture I see the shadow of my friend. He was always kind, honest and open with us all in high school. I have few regrets in my life, but one of them is not staying in touch with Tom. He was a young man I admired, and will always remember with fond memories. Evan L. Ginsburg

SUSAN TROTTER

August 30, 2023

Erin and family,
I am so sorry. Hugs and prayers. May memories of you dad give you comfort. Sue (Scogg) Trotter

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