Tom "Sterz" Stersic

Tom Stersic loved life, saw the good in others, and valued the importance of a strong work ethic. He made many lasting friendships and wanted nothing more than to share in his family’s many successes. His legacy of being generous with both his time and resources will be treasured by his close friends and loved ones.

1942 was a period marked by WWII. During the years of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Thomas was welcomed home to a loving family on February 3rd. His birth brought much joy and promise in an era of great change.

Tom grew up with typical childhood experiences of the times. He loved spending time outdoors and enjoyed fishing with his dad. His favorite spots were the woods in Mesick as well as along the backwaters of the Hodenpyl Dam. He also enjoyed hunting for morel mushrooms at a young age, a pastime he later shared with his own children. His mother, on the other hand, instilled in him a strong faith in God and the value of reading. She provided him with familiar classics like Uncle Wiggly's Storybook and as he grew, his library grew to include favorites like The Hardy Boys, Huckleberry Finn, Edgar Allen Poe, and the works of Mark Twain. His mother did buy him a pair of cleats to try football, but after one hit, Tom decided playing football was not for him! He had a wonderful memorable childhood and enjoyed making many lasting friendships along the way.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of the woman who would steal his heart forever. He and Brigid hit it off over her love of hearing him sing and play music. Tom was a talented self-taught musician who played the banjo and guitar. His voice captured her heart, and in between the chorus or the next set, she captured his soul by feeding him potato chips; his favorite snack! Tom was strongly influenced by the post-war musicians in the 50s. The Kingston Trio was his favorite. He could play their songs all night and never repeat one! He and Brigid’s love grew to include dating as well as writing long love letters before they eventually joined in marriage on August 8th, 1964. Tom carried his music into his life beyond college playing at church, private parties and Special Days Camp staying with a country bluegrass band for many years.

Tom wrapped up his college career, while married with children and working at the Brown Paper Company in Parchment MI, with a Bachelor's degree from WMU in 1968. Although he started in architecture, he switched his major when he suffered a broken arm while car ‘surfing’ on a VW at a friend’s wedding! (Divine intervention) Tom majored in English and History. Soon after graduating, he accepted a job with the Kalamazoo Gazette, where he remained for his entire career. He was a popular staff writer and editor. He was mostly known for his work on The Outdoor Page, rewrites of wire stories, and lots of local interest pieces. People joked that he covered Heaven and Earth because he wrote about everything from religion to agriculture. More often than not, for the Sunday paper, he’d go in late on Saturday night to make sure everything was perfect for the press. Tom was so well-versed, he really was able to cover any topic. He was well-liked and always felt like The Gazette team was an extended family. Tom made many lifelong friends during his thirty-five-year career.

As a dad of five children, Tom was very involved with their lives. Even if he had to leave work and go back later to finish his work, he never missed his kids' sports competitions or special events. As toddlers he took them out in nature to look for morel mushrooms, introducing them to the great outdoors. They may not have enjoyed it as much then, but they have grown to appreciate these things more in their adult years. When they were a bit older, he always took the family on long summer vacations every year which included fishing, camping, hiking, seeing many wonderful landscapes and even a trip to Great America. Another memorable gift from Tom to his children was teaching the value of being frugal and fiscally responsible. Tom taught them to always give their personal best to anything they set out to accomplish. His kids knew that he believed in being self-sufficient, working carefully to solve issues or problems and never giving up! When he and Brigid bought the home they lived in for 35 years as a family they moved in with the 2nd floor incomplete. Tom (and the rest) spent countless late nights finishing it while he and Brigid slept on the 1st floor and the kids in the basement. Later on, after most of the kids had gone to college, they decided to remodel the family home. Tom laid all the wood flooring over the course of 3+ years. Patience is a virtue!! Tom always listened to his kids and guided them in their pathways in life. They appreciated his advice and treasured his wisdom.

During his retirement, Tom enjoyed the many rewards of life. First and foremost, he built a strong relationship with his grandchildren. They relished their time with him and nicknamed him Grumpa! He took time to practice his writing and drawing skills and never missed a tee time! Traveling was something he also enjoyed with Brigid. They went on a cruise, vacationed in Hawaii with eight other couples, and even toured Ireland. Described as humble, faithful, and supportive, Tom will be deeply missed. His special friends and family will always remember him for his genuine kindness and compassion toward others. May his special memories continue to warm their hearts whenever they are gathered together for generations to come.

Thomas Charles Stersic of Kalamazoo, age 83, died on May 4, 2025. He was preceded in death by his son, Tim Stersic; and siblings: Dick Stersic, Ginny Ackerman. Surviving are his wife, Brigid; children: Chris (Lisa) Stersic, Rachel Metheany, Andy Stersic, and Matt (Jessica Smith) Stersic; daughter-in-law, Becky; grandchildren: Carli (Levi) Borton, Delaney (Camilo) Zuluaga, Gaia (Seanne) Walker, Eden Metheany, Grace Metheany, Ryan Stersic, Matthew Stersic, Luke Stersic, Anna Stersic, Haley (Dalton) Fuss, Cassie (Tyler) Diemer, Lanie (Brysonn) Aulbach, and Jed Stersic; great-grandson, L.J. Borton; brother, Dan Stersic; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Sunday, May 11, from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900, where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. The Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 PM prior to the visitation. Mass will be celebrated Monday, May 12, at 10 AM at St. Ambrose Parish. Burial at Vicksburg Cemetery with a reception at Jac’s Pizza to follow. Guests who are not attending the graveside services are invited to proceed directly to the restaurant. Celebrate Tom’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Western Michigan University Foundation or Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo.