Tom Bess Jr.

TOM BESS, JR., age 84 of Otisville, died Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Hurley Hospital. His funeral service will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Otisville, with Pastor Enwood Nevis and Pastor Dave Hensler officiating. Burial will follow in Smith Hill Cemetery. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 from 3-8PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to J.D.R.F. (Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund), 24359 Northwestern Hwy., #125, Southfield, MI 48075. Tom was born in Saginaw, MI on March 14, 1937 to Tom and Eleanor Bess. He served his country in the US Army. He married the love of his life, Lorraine Palmer, on November 27, 1965. Tom was a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Lions Club, Forest Twp. Fire Department, G.A.N.G, and F.A.N.G. He was Mayor of Otisville and served on the Village Council for over 40 years. Tom was also a proud member of the Agency. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren's sporting events. He is survived by his children: Jeniffer (Allen) Pocza and Brian (Sara) Bess; grandchildren: Erika, Brett (Samantha), Sydney and Aaron; great grandchildren: Austin, Avery, and Preston; siblings: Kenneth (Margaret) Bess, Carolann Erhardt, Sherry Kay (Raichard) Rezler, Connie Joe Samiford, Jack Bess, Kathy Mendel, and Linda (Don) Sasser; sister  in-laws: Eloanne (Dale) Phillips, Sharron Pappenheimer, and Connie (William)Frank;  several nieces and nephews; and special friends from the Agency, Pat Griswold and Maggie Carpenter. He was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine, daughter Jill, and his parents, siblings Betty Scotthorn, Isabelle Howard, Robert Bess, Charlie Bess, and Larry Bess.