Thomas Kanoski

Thomas Edward Kanoski, 70, of Bridgman, MI, passed way on Monday, May 6, 2013 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, MI. In lieu of memorial contributions, the family would like to encourage blood or other donations to the local blood bank of your choice as a thank you for all the transfusions Tom received in the course of his treatment of Myelo Dysplasia and ensuing stem cell/bone marrow transplant.

Friends may meet with the family Saturday, May 11, 2013, from 10-12 noon at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman, MI.

Tom was born August 6, 1942, in Kankakee, Illinois, the son of the late Edward and Isabelle (Benoit) Kanoski. Tom married Sharon DePalma on September 11, 1965, and they lovingly shared over 47 years together.

After 20 years of working in the air pollution control and pneumatic conveying industry, Tom turned in his mechanical engineering hat to follow his passion and became a full time police officer. Earlier, he had been a volunteer firefighter and then became a volunteer auxiliary deputy for Kane County, Illinois, and a police officer for Maple Park, Illinois. He was Chief Deputy for Schuyler County Sheriff Department, Rushville, Illinois until retirement in 2007. He and his wife retired to Bridgman, Michigan to be nearer to family. Tom was proud of and loved his children, and he adored every one of his seven grandchildren.

Tom’s love in life, next to his family, was the art and science of firearms. He taught many young and adult shooters the shooting sport, stressing safety and respect of firearms. As an avid gun collector, hunter, and police officer, Tom spent much of his life in shooting ranges, at local and national competitions, and in the beloved woods of his family farm. He loved the outdoors, enjoyed camping in his motor home with his family and friends. Tom and his wife, Sherry, were members of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) where they entered Cowboy Action Shooting competitions around the country. Tom’s SASS name was: GUNNABE COWBOY. Tom loved working in his wood shop. He created many toys for his grandchildren, for Toys for Tots, and a beautiful baby crib for his grandchildren. He labeled them: Papa Tom’s Toys. He said often that his wooden toys will long outlive him, and that his grandchildren will know him through them for many years to come.
Tom was a 39 year survivor of lymphoma that he contracted in 1974. As a result of his cancer treatment, Tom later developed Myelo Dysplasia and received a stem cell/bone marrow transplant in summer, 2012. He died at Lakeland Hospital from complications following a severe colon infection.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry; children-Steven (Darlene) Kanoski of Elgin, IL, Kevin (Linda) Kanoski of Chicago, Illinois, Debra (Mark) Spatz of Akron, Ohio; grandchildren- Michael, Zachary, Luke, Alex, Samantha, Isabelle, Elias; sister-Carol A. (Joseph) Fritz of Bradley, Illinois; brothers-Ronald J. (Joan) Kanoski of Springfield, Illinois, and Donald (Cindy) Kanoski of Monee, Illinois.

Gathering of Family and Friends

Saturday May 11, 2013 , 10 - 12 NOON at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel

1-888-579-7953 Code: 74680P


Facts Born: August 6, 1942
Place of Birth: Kankakee, Illinois
Death: May 6, 2013
Place of Death: St. Joseph, Michigan


Memorial Donations Memorial donations can be made to:
In lieu of memorial contributions the family would like to encourage blood or other donations to the local blood bank of your choice