Thomas Jude Ankofski

ANKOFSKI, Thomas Jude - Age 91. Tom passed away peacefully at home exactly 12 years after his beloved wife Lillian passed in a sign of God’s eternal love. Born in Detroit during the Great Depression, Tom was a pillar of Christian faith heavily involved with St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Petoskey and in charity work too numerous to list! He led with integrity set by his example with a calm and cool collectiveness rarely seen in today’s world. 

Tom had a love for playing and watching sports at an early age fueled by his late father and brothers, teaching him discipline, teamwork and leadership skills which he would use throughout his life. They attended many Lions and Red Wings games during the “Glory Years” of the ‘50’s and later became a big MSU Spartans fan with his son being an alumnus. His mother emphasized the importance of family which would later define his character.

He met the love of his life, Lillian, on a ski trip and married her. They adopted two children, Greg and Denise, and spent many happy years together in Waterford. He excelled at golf and billiards and also enjoyed family camping, swimming, fishing, XC skiing, and the beach life at numerous Michigan State Parks. A tireless worker for Michigan Bell, he climbed telephone poles and worked his way up to PBX Installation Manager for AT&T where he retired early at the age of 53. He followed his dream moving to northern Michigan where he and Lillian lived out their final years amongst the lakes, beaches and Northern Woods which they so loved. He would go out of his way to help neighbors and friends and really enjoyed his friendships throughout the years. Tom leaves behind a legacy of love, determination, honor and faith that will continue to inspire others for generations. He was preceded in death by his father Leo, mother Clara, brothers Leo Jr, Bob and Don, wife Lillian, and daughter Denise. He is survived by his son Greg, grandson Alex and his wife Karlie and their five children and many nieces and nephews. He was such a joy to be around, Tom was an absolute Legend and will live on in the hearts of all that knew him. He will be dearly missed!

Suggested donations in his memory can be made to: PBS (he really enjoyed their nature shows), Little Traverse Bay Nature Conservancy: Landtrust.org/memorial-or-honorarium/donation-form-memorial/  or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The family is being served by Cremation Services Only.

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