Thomas William Grunewald

Tom was born the afternoon of June 25th, 1947 at St. Joseph Hospital in Mount Clemens Michigan to proud parents William and Eileen Grunewald and big sister Carol. Tom stayed in the Mount Clemens area for his whole life, first living in the home that his father built and later residing in the Clinton Township area.

Tom worked for the United States Postal Service from when he was a young man until he reached retirement age, delivering mail to many of the same homes for years - he was a recognized civil service agent in the neighborhoods of the city he loved.

Tom lived a solitary life and spent much of his time hunting for rare books, with his favorite haunts in Michigan being John K. King Used and Rare Books and Shaw’s Books in Grosse Point. His love for books was shared with his sister, Carol, who often helped him in the hunt for the next great find. Tom’s home was a treasure trove of vintage literature and artifacts.

In his younger years, Tom enjoyed visiting his sister and her family in Colorado where they would go on scenic drives and visit local antique stores and shopping malls.

Tom was reclusive and lived a solitary life. He loved finding special antique children' s books, vintage ephemera and knick-knacks, which he joyfully sent to his sister on a regular basis. He talked to his sister on the phone every day until his illness - a connection that was very important to both of them.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents William and Eileen, as well as his niece, Chrisie. He is survived by his big sister, and best friend Carol, as well as Carol’s daughters - his nieces - Virginia, Jill, Donna, Cherie and Kim.

In Tom’s memory, please enjoy an old book and take joy in finding just the right gift for someone you love. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice or to Christ Lutheran Church of Sterling Heights, Michigan - christsterling.org/give.