Thomas Fleck

Tom Fleck was a man filled with determination; he was driven to succeed his whole life and pushed to always better himself. He was born in Detroit on July 15, 1962, the son of Bruce F. and Marcelline M. (Flach) Fleck. Tom grew up the third child in a family of six children. The family moved from Detroit to Kalamazoo when he was two years old. He always had a thirst for knowledge, even from an early age. Tom took an interest in music and learned to play the organ. He always took the tasks at hand seriously and wanted to do things with precision. Because of this drive and determination he excelled at everything he attempted.

Tom attended school at Hackett Catholic Central High School, where he played tennis while exceeding his own expectations at academics. He graduated as Valedictorian of the Hackett Class of 1980 and received a scholarship to Kalamazoo College. While at "K" he received several awards for outstanding GPA’s in math, chemistry, and physics, before graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1984. Tom continued on to receive his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1990 from the University of Wisconsin. At Indiana University, he then completed a two-year postdoctoral program. Putting all of his training and education to work, Tom held the position of Senior Research Scientist at Pharmacia Co. He was employed with the company from March of 1992 up to the time of his death.

When not working, Tom had many activities he enjoyed. He liked to be in the outdoors and went on many camping trips, where he was the cook at breakfast time. Being active was also important and he took part in soccer games, bike outings, and golf outings. Tom enjoyed planning and taking part in Road Rallies. This was a scavenger hunt type game where competitors figured out clues and traveled by car to get from destination to destination. The game was meant for Tom, who was so quick at solving puzzles and brainteasers. He was always stimulating his mind in some way, whether working crossword puzzles, reading history books, traveling the country, or learning about current events. Tom really liked to be a host and plan events at his home that he could cook for. When he did eat out, he was the first to suggest a Chinese restaurant, most often Peking Palace.

Spending time with his family was vital to him. They often gathered for games of scrabble, which allowed them time to catch up on things. Tom took great happiness from his family’s happiness. He liked to treat them to plays in New York and Toronto. He enjoyed time with his nieces and nephews, all of whom had a special affection for their Uncle Tom. He had planned a trip with them to Disney World before he became ill.

His family includes his father, Bruce Fleck; brothers: Mike, Frank (Leslie), Paul (Eva), and Tim (Wendy); and a sister, Theresa (Brent) Reed; ten nieces and nephews; several aunts and uncles, including a special Aunt Marilyn (Tim) Bloom, and many cousins.

Tom died peacefully at home, Tuesday, March 4, 2003, after a yearlong battle with kidney cancer. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marcelline; and grandparents: Clarence and Anne Flach, and Roy and Mary Fleck.

Friends may call at the BETZLER FUNERAL HOME, Kalamazoo, 375-2900, Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 PM and Thursday from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM where a prayer service will be held Thursday evening at 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit Tom’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, share a memory, make a memorial contribution to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society, or order flowers online.