Traverse City - Thomas Valentine Szajner, of Cadillac, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City from medication complications, which led to organ failure. He was 81.

Tom was born on July 27, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan to Adam and Elizabeth (Reiss) Szajner. He graduated from Chadsey High School in Detroit in 1953. While there, he excelled in baseball and made all-state in football. After high school he served in the U.S. Army. While stationed in England, Tom was able to go all over Europe pitching for the Army baseball team. He also pitched class "A" baseball in Dearborn, MI. Tom retired from Chrysler Engineering at 51 years old after 30 years as a specifications analyst. Tom met Joyce Behrendt, his wife of 58 years at the office where she worked for 5 years. Tom loved hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, but mostly he enjoyed the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. 

Thomas is survived by his wife, E. Joyce Szajner of Cadillac; daughter, Susan Jensen of Cadillac; son, Michael Szajner of Royal Oak; grandchildren, Kelly Jensen of Grand Rapids, Christen Szajner of Clinton Township, Tom Szajner of Royal Oak and Robert Jensen of Cadillac; two brothers, Donald (Eleanor) Szajner of Commerce Township and Joseph Szajner of Allen Park; brother-in-law, Bill Siegel; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dolores Siegel and sister-in-law, Emily Szajner.

A memorial Mass in honor of Tom will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, located at 9000 Laurence Ave. in Allen Park.  The Mass will be celebrated by his cousin, Retired Auxiliary Bishop Francis R. Reiss.  Tom's life will also be recognized in Northern Michigan at 11:00 am on Friday, May 12th at St. Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac, with a Mass and luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Szajner family, in care of Joyce, to ease the recent burden of hospital expenses or to a charity of one's choice.

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