Thomas Fred Kampmueller

Thomas Fred Kampmueller, age 86 of Brooklyn, formerly of Tecumseh, died peacefully Friday, April 26, 2013 at University Hospital, Ann Arbor. He was born March 5, 1927 in Petersburg, Mich., the son of Charles Fred and Ellen B. (Gaertner) Kampmueller. On September 27, 1952, Tom married Betty Beck in Tecumseh and she survives.Tom graduated from Petersburg High School in 1945 and joined the U.S. Army. He worked for the Tecumseh Products Company for 41 years, retiring in April 1991. Tom was a charter member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Tecumseh.Tom enjoyed bowling and his home on Wolf Lake. “Papa” also loved to teach his grandchildren a variety of things, including fishing, gardening, wine making and general tinkering. He was a Cub Scout Master and coached Little League Baseball for many years. His great sense of humor and hearty laugh will be missed by all who knew him.In addition to his wife, Thomas is survived by two sons, Steve (Trese) and Scott (Julie Aten) Kampmueller, both of Tecumseh; two granddaughters, Kathryn (Jeremy) Castorena of Tecumseh, and Sarah (Brandon) Raymond of Newport News, Va; four grandsons, Steven (Laurie Englehart) and Scott, both of Tecumseh, Joseph (Emily) of Champaign, Ill, and Thomas of Kalamazoo; five great-grandchildren, Lyla and Orin Castorena, Kaydence and Ellyse Raymond, and Cecilia Kampmueller; and a sister, Jo Ann “Susie” Hamilton of Tecumseh. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Carl Kampmueller and Dean Hamilton.At Thomas’ request, cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering was held on Wednesday, May 1, from 4-7 p.m. at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. A memorial service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Thursday 11 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church with Pastor Gordon Peterson officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.