Thomas Albert Plivelich

THOMAS ALBERT PLIVELICH, age 70 of Otisville, Michigan, died peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2017 due to complications from Parkinson's disease. Tom was born on November 10, 1946 in Highland Park, Michigan to Albert and Ellen (Harvey) Plivelich. He grew up in Ferndale, Michigan, graduating from Hazel Park High School, and attending Northern Michigan University and Michigan State University. On July 16, 1969, he enlisted in the Navy Seabees as a structural steel worker for the MCB Forty Command, where he served until July 15, 1975, when he was honorably discharged. While stationed on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, not only did the Seabees build a military airstrip, but also Tom built a boat that the men used for fishing. Tom married Elsie I. VanWulfen on October 10, 1970. They raised two sons, who became strong-minded men and serious sportsmen like their father. In December of 2000, Tom retired from General Motors Metal Fab, where he had been a die maker for 37 years. Tom was a man of many talents and interests. He taught himself to play the harmonica, guitar and banjo. As a licensed builder, he built the family house in Otisville, and the family cabin at Avery Lake. As a licensed taxidermist, he owned and operated Great Northern Taxidermy for 45 years. Additionally, he made golf clubs, fishing lures and rods, animal plaques, walking sticks and was a wood carver. During his retirement years, Tom made beer and wine, as well as travelled in and out of the United States. Tom spent a lot of time gem mining – especially in North Carolina. He appreciated, respected, and protected nature and the environment. He enjoyed gardening, and was an avid hunter, but his true passion was for fishing. Tom cherished all of his years out on the water – being able to be with his sons, family and friends. Tom was a lifetime member of B.A.S.S., a member of the Lake Nepessing Bass Club, and U.A.W. Local 659.

He was preceded in death by his son, Douglas Plivelich; parents: Albert and Ellen Plivelich; in-laws, Frank and Isabell VanWulfen; and brother-in-law, Frank VanWulfen, Jr.

Tom is survived by his wife, Elsie; son, Michael and Jen Plivelich; granddaughter, Ana Plivelich; sisters: Janet and Henry Moilanen, Judy and Tom Shorkey, and Jane and Michael Laws; brother, Steve and Debbie Plivelich; several nieces, nephews, four sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law.

A funeral service will be held at the Mumford-Hudson Home on Monday, February 27, 2017 at noon, with Rev. Ann Norton presiding. Burial will follow in Smith Hill Cemetery. Visitation is at the Mumford-Hudson Funeral Home on Sunday, February 26, 2017 from noon to 8:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tom's name to the Wounded Warriors Project or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.