Thomas S. Vedder

Thomas S Vedder, age 91, of Grand Blanc formerly of Olivet, passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018. He was born January 3, 1927, in Avon Lake, Ohio the son of Sherman and Wilma (Barrett) Vedder. Tom went on to honorably serve his country as a Radio Man Second Class in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Upon his return from the war he was hired as the Post Master in Olivet. One day Tom met a young lady that had come to Olivet to teach at the elementary school. Little did he realize that this beautiful girl would become his wife. On March 28, 1953, Tom married the love of his life Alberta J. Donnelly. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Both he and Alberta made many sacrifices throughout the years for their family. It was a priority of his to see to it that all of his children had the opportunity to attend and graduate from college. Tom loved nothing more than to be together with his entire family, especially during the holidays. They also enjoyed many wonderful times together at their cottage on Torch Lake. In Toms spare time he enjoyed U of M sports, NASCAR, trips to Vegas, and a good glass of champagne. He also served as a timer for the Olivet High School Track Team for over 10 years. Tom retired from Olivet Machine Tool Engineering Company after 30 years of service. Tom is survived by his children: Jim (Diane) Vedder of Grand Ledge, Steve (Lisa) Vedder of Grand Rapids, Michael (Lori) Vedder of Grand Blanc, Sandy (Brad) Boyer of Saline; grandchildren: Ian (Ashley Palenkas) Vedder, Kristin (Tony) Robinson, Kelsey Szpara, Breana (Daniel) Jackson, Madison Vedder; great grandchildren: Josephine Szpara, Everlee Robinson, Ryland Vedder, Jameson Szpara, Elliott Jackson, Wesleigh Jackson; siblings: Richard (Annette) Vedder, Jane Jones. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta, in 1994; sister, Phyllis Windiate, in 2018. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 11 A.M. at the Olivet Congregational Church with Rev. Jack Brown officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 4:30-7:30 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Bosworth Cemetery. Those desiring, may make contribution in Toms memory to the Fern Persons Elementary School Library Book Fair Fund, 4425 W. Butterfield Hwy., Olivet, Michigan 49076.