Obituary of Thomas Tekieli
Thomas Tekieli was born on April 26, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan. He was one of six children born from the union of Stanley and Jane (Kasiewicz) Tekieli. Tommy graduated with the class of 1970, from Cody High School, Detroit. He then enrolled at Henry Ford Community College, taking a few courses.
On April 6, 1977, at First Church of the Master in Detroit, he married the love of his life, the former Connie Mullins. The happy couple was blessed with the birth of three children. To provide for his family, Tommy was gainfully employed for thirty-seven years, as a machine repairman by the Ford Motor Company. After he retired, he secured what he described as his dream job with Lowe’s.
As a young man, Thomas navigated the waters of Lake Erie with skill and grace, casting his line in pursuit of the day's fresh catch. His love for the outdoors also extended to the tending of his flourishing vegetable garden he seeded annually.
It was often said that Thomas had a penchant for planting trees, filling his property with their vibrant presence. Next to his family, his pride and joy was a 1968 cherry red Convertible Ford Galaxy, a classic beauty that he meticulously protected with a well-worn tarp when not in use.
Despite the trials he faced and the sorrow he endured, Thomas, alongside his beloved wife Connie, persisted with a heartening sense of humor, even in the face of his own inner battles with stress and anxiety.
Thomas Tekieli, age 71, of Monroe, passed away unexpectedly, at his home, on Saturday; February 10, 2024. His passing was preceded by a son: Thomas Jr. in 2017; his parents; two sisters: Jane Wynkoop, and Judith Tekieli-Florio; and his in laws: James and Barbara Mullins.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of forty-seven years: Connie; two daughters: Tara (Brad) Iott of Ida and Tessa Tekieli (David Benson-Putnins) of Jersey City, New Jersey; three siblings: Virginia Tekieli of Plymouth, Michigan, Stanley (Renee) Tekieli of South Lyon, Michigan, and Pamela Hewison of South Lyon, Michigan; four grandchildren: Taylor Tekieli of Monroe, Liam Iott of Ida, Greyson Iott of Ida, and Sullivan Tekieli-Putnins of Jersey City, New Jersey.
Friends may gather from 12:00pm until 5:00pm on Thursday; February 15, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 5:00pm, also at Merkle’s. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
