Thomas Edward Farrell
Thomas Edward Farrell passed away peacefully at his home in Grand Blanc, MI on July 6, 2025 following a courageous battle with prostate and bone cancer. Thomas was born at home in Clare, MI to John E. and Phyllis (Schaaf) Farrell on November 27, 1937. He grew up in Gladwin, MI and graduated from Gladwin High School in 1955.
After deciding college wasn’t for him after a brief stint at Ferris State College, Tom joined the US Army Reserves and was briefly stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He joined Wickes Lumber Company, as a truck driver who also emptied railroad box cars. Eventually, he joined Wolohan Lumber Company, working alongside childhood friends Charlie and Tom Wolohan. He rose through the company ranks, becoming an assistant manager, store manager, district manager and regional manager until his retirement in 1999.
Tom married Nancy Joanne (Rozmarin) on October 7, 1961. Along the way, as he progressed within Wolohan Lumber, Tom moved his family around the Midwest, making stops in Janesville, WI; Wanatah, IN; Rockford, IL; Saginaw, MI; Kalamazoo, MI and Grand Blanc, MI. Despite retiring from a successful career, Tom wasn’t done working! He continued in various positions as a part time merchandiser and business consultant and he also freelanced with Wolohan Lumber and other home improvement companies when they needed a professional to consolidate their operations. He also found joy working and volunteering as a marshal at the Buick Open PGA golf tournament for several years, was an usher at Tiger Stadium and Florida Gulf Coast University and a golf starter at Atlas Valley Country Club in Atlas, MI.
Tom enjoyed hunting with his childhood pals every year at deer camp near Gladwin, fishing, golfing in leagues in Michigan and Florida and taking road trips with his kids. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and family around the US and Europe. Tom was a voracious reader, devouring several novels a week. He was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and the University of Michigan Wolverines. He also enjoyed attending high school football and basketball games.
Tom was a proud member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Flint Lodge 222 for more than 50 years, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Sons of the American Legion. He and Nancy became snowbirds in 1997, spending their winter months in Bonita Springs, FL.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy; daughters: Lisa of Los Angeles, CA; Susan of Grand Blanc, MI; and, Denise Geisz (Charlie) of Lawrenceville, GA; and sons: Thomas II of Charlevoix, MI and Michael (Julia) of Hudson, FL. His grandchildren include: Colin and Harrison Geisz of Lawrenceville, GA; and Eirinn, Mason and Emmeline Farrell of Spring Hill, FL. Tom also leaves behind his older brother, Terence Farrell (Janet) of Columbia, MD; and younger brothers: Timothy Farrell of Bayside, NY; and Brian (Rosie) of Houghton Lake, MI; sisterin- law, Ivy Sirota Farrell of Rockaway Park, NY; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his grandson, Alexander Thomas Geisz; brother, William; and his parents, Ed and Phyllis; along with his in-laws, Joseph and Edith Rozmarin; Kenneth Stopple and Janet Stopple Hetzel.
A self-made man, Tom was widely admired for his love for his family, strong work ethic and straightforward approach to life.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, July 26 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 330 N. Silverleaf St., Gladwin, MI, followed by burial at Highland Cemetery in Gladwin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army or your local Humane Society in Thomas’ name.