Thomas A. Tolksdorf, 82, of Shepherd, Michigan, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. He was born on July 9, 1943, in Lansing, Michigan, to Andrew and Gertrude (Jensen) Tolksdorf.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in May 2026, with details to be announced.
Tom grew up working on his parents’ farm and was active in the Future Farmers of America (FFA). After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving proudly from 1962 to 1966. Following his service, Tom married Aileen Tolksdorf on February 17, 1968, in Blanchard. In 1974, they made Shepherd their home. Tom worked for General Telephone & Electronics (GTE) for more than 33 years, beginning as a lineman and putting to use the electronics training he gained in the Air Force. After retiring from GTE, he “kept busy” by joining Hansen Hardware in Shepherd, where he worked for another 20 years. Deeply committed to his community, Tom was an active member of the Shepherd Methodist Church, the Rotary Club, the Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival, the Sugarbush, and many other community projects. He was honored as Shepherd Citizen of the Year in 1989, and the festival’s Grand Marshal in 2015. Tom also volunteered at Clothing, Inc., and in 2023 received the United Way Volunteer of the Year award for his service.
Tom enjoyed golfing, bowling, and hunting. Tom will be remembered for his daily walks and bicycle rides around Shepherd, his willingness to help neighbors, his dedication to snow shoveling and snow blowing for others, and his remarkable ability to fix just about anything. He was admired for his humility, his service to others, and his belief in making a difference—one small act at a time.
Tom is survived by his brother, Larry Tolksdorf (Janet); his children Ray Tolksdorf (Janet), Alan Tolksdorf (Tonia), and Susan Tolksdorf (Ken Ford); and his grandchildren Andrew, Zachary, Brandon, Deven (Malorie), Olivia, and Abigail. He was preceded in death by his wife, Aileen, and his father, Andrew and mother, Gertrude.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made on behalf of Tom to the Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Anita Nartker for her nearly 20 years of companionship to Tom, and to Steve Larsen, Jim Wyman, Dan Hohlbein, the neighbors, church family, and community members for their constant friendship and support. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.
