J. Thomas Priemer

PRIEMER, J. THOMAS "TOM", went to be with the Lord on January 19, 2024, at the age of 87. He was born in Detroit, June 13, 1936, the son of Hazel (Durfee) and Clemens Priemer, and brother of Gerald (Rachel Rice) Priemer. He grew up on a farm near Monroe, MI, graduated from St. John Grade School, Monroe Catholic Central High School ('54), received his BA from Heidelberg University, and MBA from Indiana Northern University. Tom played on the 1955 Heidelberg undefeated team and in 2005 was inducted into the University's Football Hall of Fame. After college Tom joined the US Army, trained as as cryptographer, assigned to the CIC and stationed in Germany where he met his true love Erika. Tom worked in Human Resources/Labor Relations at Wayne State and U of M. He enjoyed farming, boating, metal detecting, U of M sports, running, traveling, writing family history, photography and playing with his grandchildren. Tom was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. As a member of the Motor City Striders he ran in the Free Press Marathon. He was also a member of Edelweiss-Detroit (German folk dancing group) and a Schuhplattler for many years. Tom and Erika danced in several cities in the US and Canada. May he be now dancing with the angels in heaven. Tom will be remembered as a loving husband, father and Opa. He will be missed by his wife Erika (Tjarks) of 61 years, daughter Kristine (Andy) Huebner and son Gregory (Christina) Priemer. Proud grandfather of Elizabeth Huebner, Jonathan Priemer, Ryan and Adam Czarnecki, sister in law Ursula Calascibetta, many nieces, cousins and friends as well as therapist Duane and devoted caregiver Penny. Visitation Wednesday 3-8pm with 7:00pm Scripture Service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. (SHELBY TOWNSHIP). Funeral Thursday Instate 9:30am at St. John Vianney 54045 Schoenherr Rd. (btw. 24 & 25 Mile Rds.) until time of Mass at 10:00am. Donations are welcome to the I.H.M or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Interment St. Clement Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com

J. Thomas Priemer

June 13, 1936 - January 19, 2024