
Thomas Soltis
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Thomas "Tom" John Soltis, age 68 of Topinabee, MI, died Tuesday, May 10, 2022 in Grayling, MI.
A funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, May 14th at 12:00 pm at the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River, MI. Fr. James Gardiner will officiate. Tom's family will receive friends at visitation at The Cross in the Woods on Friday, May 13th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, with a vigil service held at 7:00 pm. An additional visitation will proceed the funeral Mass at 11:00 am on May 14th. Please join Tom's family following the funeral Mass for a luncheon held at The Cross in the Woods.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to St. Mary's School in Gaylord, MI.
Tom was born on May 11, 1953 in Flint, MI, the son of John and Josephine (Quaderer) Soltis. He grew up in Mt. Morris, MI and attended St. Mary's School before graduating from Mt. Morris High School and then going on to get his Associates Degree.
On June 29, 1974, Tom married Karen Roesner, the love of his life, in Mt. Morris, MI. They started dating at a Valentine's Dance in High School and had been inseparable since. Tom started working for 7Up in Flint, MI in 1973 and built his career in the soft drink industry, where he also served on the Board of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association. After 45 years, he retired at the end of 2018 as Regional Manager for Keurig Dr. Pepper.
Tom was a three-time President of the Indian River Golf Club. As a member for more than 35 years, he played an instrumental role in the addition of the back 9 and new club house. In keeping with Tom's talent for bringing people together and his love of hunting, Tom founded Coyote Ridge Lodge Hunting Camp. Here he brought friends and family together to celebrate in the fall of each year.
Tom loved being outdoors. He was very protective and passionate about his lawn. He especially enjoyed mowing with a good cigar and was always readily available to give his grandchildren a ride on his prized John Deere. He also liked collecting trading cards, a hobby he shared with his son and passed on to his grandchildren. Tom was a sports fan and could be found in the fall watching U of M football. Tom was an avid reader, who loved history, in particular.
Tom was a larger than life force, the truest friend you could find, and the very best Father and Grandfather anyone could ask for. He loved his wife Karen and the family they built together. He enjoyed food, was a wonderful chef, and planned the very best parties and gatherings. Left to cherish his memory are: his wife Karen; his children Jamie (Rob) McShane, John (Kirsten) Soltis, and Jennifer (Jeremy) Katafiasz, and 6 grandchildren: Thomas, Anna, Liam, Kaylee, Benjamin, and Colin, as well as his sister Judy (Dave) Gorney, brothers Mike (Debbie) Soltis and Don Soltis, and nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents.
The family is served by Stone Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Indian River
