Elwood G. Tompke

Elwood G. “Bud” Tompke

Elwood G. “Bud” Tompke, age 86, died at his home in Belleveiw, Florida on November 11, 2015. Bud was born in Manistee on September 21, 1929 to Hazel Mae Wilson and Golden Eugene Tompke. He married Geraldine Richards, the love of his life, on November 12, 1949.
Buddy worked for over 35 years at the Manistee Road Commission. Throughout Buddy’s life he was active at Onekama Trinity Lutheran Church, Onekama School Board, Brown Township Board, selling Real Estate, Lions Club, raising cattle, and Christmas tree farming. His pastimes included bowling, hunting, being with friends and family, and playing on his tractors.
Most importantly Bud was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and his wife Gerry enjoyed many years together.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents Golden and Hazel Tompke and his son Gary. He is survived: by his wife of 66 years, Gerry; children Michael Tompke (Pamela), Terri Burch (John), Richard Tompke (Judy), Sandra Schalow (Dean), and Steven Tompke (Mary). Bud also leaves behind nine (9) grandchildren and 4 ¾ great-grandchildren; three sisters Maxine Harrigan, June Waterman, and Patsy Dohr.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm Thursday, November 19th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Onekama with Pastor Ainslie Wagner officiating. Visitation will be held at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee on Wednesday, November 18th from 1-3pm and 6-8pm and again at the church Thursday from 11:00am until time of service. Burial will follow at Old School House Cemetery in Brown Township.
Memorials can be given to Trinity Lutheran Church of Onekama-Building Fund or Onekama Lions Club. Please feel free to share a tribute or photo with Bud’s family at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Manistee.