We mourn the loss of Thomas John Knatz, 71, who passed away peacefully February 13, 2013, in the company of his family at the Big Bend Hospice House.
Tom was born on September 30, 1941, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to John and Molly Knatz. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a wonderful, cheerful friend to many. Tom always enjoyed thinking of others and making children laugh. After graduation from high school Tom joined the Navy with a close friend and served as a Communications Specialist. He also was a member of the Navy’s Traveling Yellow Jackets Choir and played on the Inter-Service San Miguel Softball Team.
Upon discharge from the Navy, Tom attended and graduated from Grand Rapids Junior College and from Michigan State University. He received his Juris Doctorate from Detroit College of Law and also pursued his CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation besides various Life and Variable Annuity designations.
Tom’s professional career spanned 42 years and began as a Claim Specialist/Attorney Negotiator with State Farm Insurance, Ann Arbor, MI, Defense Attorney for Draugelis, Ashton, Scully in Plymouth, MI, and as an Investment Banker/Structured Settlement Consultant with Kidder, Peabody, Sarasota, FL. Tom also was a Structured Settlement Consultant with Benefit Designs & Cambridge Galaher in Maitland, FL, and for the last 13 years was a Structured Settlement Consultant with Millennium Settlements in Tallahassee, FL. Tom took tremendous pride in being able to assist his clients.
Tom will be greatly missed by his wife, Mary; his son, Chris (Anita); and his special granddaughters, Chloe and Courtney. He is also survived by sisters, Carol Otten (Eugene), Bonnie Schoemer; and Jim Knatz (Joan), and many nieces and nephews.
As Tom would often say, “Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery and that’s why Today is called the Present. We have to enjoy each day to the fullest!” We all will miss his contagious smile and gentle touch.
In lieu of flowers, please forward any donations to the Big Bend Hospice.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday (February 17,2013) at 1:00 p.m. at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home 1737 Riggins Road with a reception to follow. Family will greet friends 30 minutes prior.
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