Thomas "Tom" B. Ruhlman

Thomas B. Ruhlman, age 89, of North Branch passed away on February 5, 2021 at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital with his family at his side. Tom was born on February 3, 1932 in Centerline, MI, the son of Henry and Alvera (Grobbel) Ruhlman.  On February 19, 1955 he married Leona C. Przekop at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in North Branch. She was the light of his life.

Tom was a business owner, excellent machinist. He could fix anything. He was highly active in his church, attended mass daily, was dedicated to his Catholic faith and an inspiration to many who chose to live their life for Christ.  Tom and Leona had a strong, unyielding devotion to the Blessed Virgin and could often be heard singing holy songs honoring her.  Tom was a natural athlete. Loved baseball in his youth. He had a passion for bowling, golf, watching his kids and grandkids play sports and just spending quality time with them every chance he got. His love of family and friends was well known in the community. Along with his wife, they sponsored Little League Baseball and Softball tournaments on the farm for 25 years. Tom served in the Army in the early 1950’s and had active duty in the Korean War. He loved the Detroit Tigers and during baseball season you knew he would either be watching them play or listening on the radio.

Family meant everything to him. Even if you were not a family member, he embraced you as if you were.  His hugs should be enshrined in a national hug museum. His second home was Brass Lamp Villa on Huron St. in North Branch.

Tom is survived by his 10 children, Regina (Barry) Kreiner, Joseph,  Kathleen (Larry) Kohler, Carolyn Smith, Arlene (Jim) Wagner, Dolores (Mike) Blazo, David (Diane), Edward (Michelle), Andrew, William (Tracy); his  18  grandchildren; his 24    great-grandchildren; his brother, Joseph (Pat)  (Joanne) Ruhlman; his sisters, Dolores (Seth) Griffin and Gertrude Steele; his in-laws, Richard (Judy) Przekop and Dolores Truszkowski; many nieces, nephews, close neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife; his infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth; his parents, 2 brothers and 6 sisters.

 Memorials in Tom’s name may be directed to SS Peter & Paul Cemetery or Lapeer County Medical Care Facility.

The family will be present for visitation on Monday, February 8, 2021, 4:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. On Tuesday, February 9, 2021 visitation will be 4:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at the church. The rosary will be recited at 4:00 P.M.  On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, visitation will be 10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.  with Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 P.M. at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Rev. Richard Treml will officiate. Tom will be laid to rest next to his wife at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Military honors will be conducted by the North Branch American Legion Post 457.

A Celebration of Tom’s life will be held this Saturday, August 7, 2021, Noon-5:00 P.M. at the family farm at 5069 Jefferson Road, North Branch.  Family and friends are welcome to join  Tom's family in celebrating a life well lived.

You may share an online condolence or memories of Tom to the family at www.blackburnchapel.com

Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home

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