Thomas J. Dolaskie III

Munising

On Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 1:30 a.m., Thomas John Dolaskie III, surrounded by family, chose to let cancer take him to a better place.  With daughter Valerie at his side, Tom passed peacefully and painlessly.  He was born on July 24, 1951 in Munising, MI to Thomas John Dolaskie II and Gladys (Gamble) Dolaskie. His youth in Shingleton was a fond topic that he reminisced often, always including the trouble he liked to get into at his parents store and mischief at the Hickey Crick.  Tom graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1969.  He enlisted in the USAF in the early 70s and was honorably discharged in January, 1975, after seeing the world. Back home in Shingleton, he and his father set out to build Tom his first home. It was at this time he met, and eventually married Ann Marie (Heyrman) Dolaskie on July 5, 1980, and together they raised their three children.  After a few years working concrete, he began working for the Alger County Road Commission in the early 1980’s, a career that he enjoyed and was able to make many great friends at. Tom enjoyed building things, from family homes to projects for friends.  He meticulously replicated Thomas the Train from an old lawn mower, and happily drove his grandchildren in the Munising 4th of July parade as train conductor.  Tom enjoyed spending time with friends and family, camping and playing music anytime he could.  In recent years he fulfilled his love for music by playing baritone with the Peter Jonas Community Band, and perfecting Canon in D on his keyboard at home, which he played faithfully every morning, loud enough for the neighbors to hear.  He loved working {playing} in the woods, raising his children with strong work ethics and respect.  Most important to Tom was his family, he would do anything he could to protect and provide for them, often working multiple jobs at once to make their lives better.  In his final years, Tom built his last ‘home’ near his children. During the entire construction process, he had countless visits from his children, grandchildren and closest friends. He often mentioned how much joy the experience brought him.

He is survived by his three children – Thomas (Ana-Marija) Dolaskie IV of Munising, Joseph (Erin) Dolaskie of Munising, MI and Valerie (Casey) Ford of Munising; grandchildren – Elliot Dolaskie, Sullivan Ford, Jones Ford, Nolan & Carianne Dolaskie, Thomas John Dolaskie V, and Filimena Eva Dolaskie, Mother Gladys Dolaskie, siblings – Bonnie (Mark) Lau, Kathy (Jim) Manville, Lu (Don) MacPherson.  Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Marie Dolaskie, on February 12, 2011, and his father, Thomas John Dolaskie II.

A celebration of life will be held for Tom on his birthday. Details will be shared by his family closer to that date. Memorials in memory of Tom may be directed to the Peter Jonas Community Band.

Tom’s kids would like to thank North Woods Home Health and Hospice for their tireless care in making our dad’s final days as comfortable as possible.