Thomas R. Prawdzik

Thomas R. Prawdzik, age 83 of Clare, passed away Friday, September 18, 2015 in Mt. Pleasant. Tom was born the son of the late Leo and Ann (Grygier) Prawdzik on December 29, 1931 in Boyne Falls. He graduated from Boyne Falls High School in 1950, and spent one year at Michigan State College. Tom was drafted into military service in July of 1952 where he served in the Army. He spent his military career at Fort Knox and was discharged in July of 1954. He then returned to Michigan State College and graduated in 1957 with a degree in Wildlife Management. He met Dorothy Beer in Gaylord at a polka dance, and they were married in Petoskey on May 17, 1958. They raised three children together and later enjoyed spending time with their six grandchildren. Tom was known as the most successful ruffed grouse hunter of the modern era. Articles of his expeditions of ruffed grouse hunting have been published in Field and Stream and in The Pointing Dog Journal. He was also featured in the book entitled A Passion for Grouse. He was involved in the Ruffed Grouse Society, The Lions Club and was a parishioner and usher at our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. He had worked as a District Wildlife Biologist of the Michigan DNR. After his retirement in 1992, Tom and Dorothy spent more time traveling all over the Midwest to indulge their passion for dancing to polka music. They spent time traveling to their grandchildren’s various sporting events and he continued to be an avid sportsman by acting as a ruffed grouse guide to various hunters from around the U.S. He enjoyed spending time outdoors deer hunting, fly fishing or hiking through the woods. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. Tom is survived by his wife Dorothy; children, David (Ann) of Clare, Debbie (Kevin) Singles and Dennis (Beth) both of Lake Orion; his siblings, Jerry of Wyoming, MI and Diane (Steve) Kidder of Charlevoix; his grandchildren, Jodie, Kyle, Justin, Ryan, Megan and Tyler. Tom was predeceased by his sister Dorothy and brother Don. Services will be held at Our Lady of Hope Parish - St. Cecilia Site on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 11 A.M. with Fr. Prentice Tipton officiating. Burial will be in the St. Cecilia Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home, and prior to the services at Church beginning at 10 A.M. A Vigil Service will take place at the Funeral Home on Tuesday at 7 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or to Our Lady of Hope Parish. On-line condolences may be made at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Thomas R. Prawdzik

December 29, 1931 - September 18, 2015