Thomas E. Luczak

Thomas E. Luczak, age 77, Tom passed away peacefully on Monday, August 30th, at Cleveland Clinic after a short battle with Lymphoma. A lifelong resident of Bay City, Michigan, he was born on November 11, 1943 to the late Clement J. and Leona M. (Jean) Luczak. He was a k-12 graduate of Visitation High School (1962), and Saginaw Valley (B.A. Accounting, 1972). Tom was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish - St. Mary's Church. After high school, he moved to Chicago for a short time to work for Northwest Airlines. He returned to Bay City and started working at the original McDonald's on Euclid and was instrumental in opening the Center Ave. McDonald's with his best friend Joe King. After helping to open a McDonald's in Midland, he left to join the military. Tom proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1969, mainly serving as a radio operator in post-war Korea, enjoying time off traveling and experiencing Asia. He retired from the State of Michigan in 2004 after 30 years of service in the Department of Treasury as a revenue auditor.
Tom was an avid sportsman enjoying watching Notre Dame football and playing baseball, bowling, football, hunting and paddleball in his younger years. Golf was a lifelong passion and brought him much joy and friendships over the years, enjoying many golf trips with family and friends. Tom loved being active in his kid's sporting activities and helped coach many teams for both children over the years. Sharing his joy of life through sports was a consistent part of his life with anyone who wanted to learn.
He married the love of his life, Janis L. Kraycsir, 40 years ago on January 31,1981. Along with his wife, Thomas left behind to cherish his memories, his children, Dr. John C. (Shannon) Luczak and Julie M. Luczak (Minkah Curtis), and two grandchildren Henrik and Colette, one brother, Gerald (Margaret) Luczak, and siblings-in-law, Gerald "Buck" Keyser, David (Jeanne) Kraycsir, Andrew (Barbara) Kraycsir, Darlene (Bob) Schulz. He also has many nieces and nephews, cousins, and a special group of friends. He didn't want dogs, but also leaves behind two mini golden doodles that he loved, Toby and Tanner.
Thomas is preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Leona E. (Erwin) Luczak, siblings Jean (Mary Rose) Luczak, Fr. Ralph Luczak, Donna (Keyser), Mary Ann (Darrell Dierck), and his lifelong friend, Joe King.
The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, September 4th at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Parish - St. Mary's Church (607 E. South Union St. Bay City, MI 48706). The celebrant will be Rev. Fr. John Sarge with the Rite of Committal following in Oak Ridge Cemetery followed by Military Honors conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council. The family will be present to receive visitors at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Friday, September 3rd, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tom will be taken to the church on Saturday, September 4th, to lie in state from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission or to Our Lady of Peace Parish - St. Mary's Church. To share online condolences please visit our website at www.gephartfuneralhome.com .