Thomas Charles Rochow, 77, of Allegan, MI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 in his own home surrounded by family. Born November 26, 1942 in Bay City, MI, he was the son of the late Robert John and Mildred (Gies) Rochow. Thomas graduated high school in 1961 from St. Mary’s School in Bay City. He went on to study at Western Michigan University where he earned his Bachelor of Education. Thomas married the love of his life, his beloved wife Donna Marie Wallunas, on June 3, 1967 in Kalamazoo who he remained in love with for fifty-three blessed years. He lived in Allegan for fifty years where he was an educator in the Allegan Public School System for thirty years teaching 5th and 6th grades at Dawson Elementary. Thomas retired from teaching in 2000 and pursued his hobby of computers. He worked in several computer stores and helped many in the community keep their computers running. Thomas was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for fifty years where he had developed the first website for the church and maintained it for many years. He was an avid fan of football and was always rooting for the Lions on Sundays.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Donna. He was the proud father of Dorothy (Kevin) Snow, Pete (Chris) Rochow, and Anne (Carl) Neuenfeldt; and very special grandpa to Ryan Snow, Jake Snow, and Abe Ritz. Also left to cherish his memory are his sister, Barb (Paul) Anderson; sisters-in-law, Mary Rochow and Aggie Wallunas; and several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Rochow.
The family received friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Rosary was recited at 7:00 PM. A memorial mass took place at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007; or Blessed Sacrament Good Samaritans’ Food Pantry, 110 North Cedar Street, Allegan, MI 49010. Gorden Funeral Residence is assisting the family with arrangements.
For full story, pick up a copy of the MONTH XX issue of The Allegan County News/The Union Enterprise/The Commercial Record or subscribe to the e-edition.