Submitted by admin on
J. Thomas Priemer
June 13, 1936 – January 19, 2024
GTEV Edelweiss would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of J. Thomas Priemer. He passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the age of 87. He is survived by Erika, his loving wife of 61 years; daughter Kristine Huebner, son Gregory Priemer, and his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and Opa.
Tom grew up on a farm in 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 he was inducted into the University’s Football Hall of Fame.
After college, Tom joined the US Army, trained as a 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 University and the University of Michigan. He enjoyed farming, boating, metal detecting, U of M sports, running, traveling, writing family history, photography, and playing with his grandchildren. As a member of the Motor City Striders, he ran in the Free Press Marathon.
Tom originally joined Edelweiss in the 1970s. After a brief hiatus he returned to Edelweiss in 2005. He will be remembered most for his years of dancing in the Schuhplattler group. Tom and Erika danced in several cities in the US and Canada.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 3-8 pm at Wujek Calcaterra & Sons in Shelby Township, 54880 VanDyke Ave. Please join Edelweiss to conduct our dedication for Tom at 6 pm. There will be a scripture Service following at 7 pm.
He will be in state on Thursday from 9:30 am to 10:00 am at St. John Vianney Church at 54045 Schoenherr Rd. in Shelby Twp., MI. The funeral mass will begin at 10 a.m.
May his family have peace and comfort in their hearts during this difficult time.
Ruhe in Frieden
