Thomas “Tom” Howard Bobola

Thomas “Tom” Howard Bobola, 73, of Onaway, died suddenly June 22, 2024 at his home. 

He was born August 15, 1950 in Forest Township to Joseph B. and Mary M. Bobola. Tom graduated from Onaway High School in 1968. After graduation he worked at Plymouth Industries in Cheboygan and then at Onaway Wood Products in Tower. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970 and served two years, primarily in Germany. 

Upon returning to Onaway, he went back to Onaway Wood Products. He also met his wife, Suzanne (Sue) at that time. They were married May 17, 1973 at St. Paul Catholic Church of Onaway. They continued their life together in Onaway. After Onaway Wood Products closed, he went to work for Lecureux Masonry, retiring in 2012. 

Tom loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, working the garden or just mowing the yard. He took great pride in his tractors, especially when working up the fields on their hunting property for planting. He enjoyed watching his work grow, especially the corn. He began having health issues with his legs, so the decision was reluctantly made to sell the hunting property. He still kept his tractors, while acknowledging they should be sold. 

The last few years he has been involved in caring for a colony of feral cats. He loved them all, even if there were too many and it took a lo

t of time. He died doing what he loved, while feeding the cats. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Bobola; a sister-in-law, Carol Bobola; and brothers-in-law, Gerald Dunbar and Earl (Ken) Jarvis. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Suzanne; sisters, Doris Jarvis of Alpena and Rose Dunbar of Onaway; a brother-in-law, William VanConant (Linda) of Royal Oak; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves four indoor rescue cats who already miss him, Mollie, Bandit, Calico Cat and Buddy. 

The family suggests memorial donations to the Cheboygan County Humane Society or the charity of friend’s choice.  As were Tom’s wishes there will be no services. He will be honored by his family privately. Cremation arrangements were in care of Chagnon Funeral Home.

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