Thomas J. Clare

Thomas J. Clare, 91, of the Mt. Pleasant and Beal City areas died Thursday, March 4, 2004 at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 8, at St. Joseph Church in Beal City with Father John Cotter officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call at Lux Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-8 p.m. with a vigil service beginning at 4:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church or St. Joseph School. Envelopes are available at Lux Funeral Home. Tom was born Oct. 2, 1912, in Isabella County, the son of William and Mary (Hanel) Clare. He married Irene Fedewa on May 6, 1939, at St. Philomena Church in Beal City. He worked as a driller for Tally Well Service. He was a member of St. Joseph Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 3651 in Beal City. He enjoyed gardening and taking care of his yard, but his special love was reserved for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Tom is survived by his son, William (Rosalie) Clare of Essexville; six grandchildren, Thomas Clare, William Clare, Lynne Ryczek, Michael Clare, James Clare, and Theresa Primdahl; 16 great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and his brother, Cecil (Ella) Clare of Beal City. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene in 2001; and two sisters, Josephine Clare and Agnes Ege. A special thanks to the staff of the Isabella County Medical Care Facility for the kindness and love that was shown to Tom while in their care.