ADRIAN- Thomas “Tom” Edward Kopke, age 79, died peacefully at home under the care of Hospice of Lenawee and surrounded by the love of his children on February 21, 2025.

Tom was born on July 7, 1945, the youngest son of Paul K. and Mary A. (Edwards) Kopke’s two sons. He graduated from Sand Creek High School in 1963 and continued his education at Stautzenberger College earning an associate’s degree.

On March 23, 1974, Tom married Judith F. Cole at the Holloway Presbyterian Church. They were blessed with four daughters and all the excitement that comes with having all girls. Tom and Judi celebrated over 50 years together before her death on July 3, 2024.

For over 30 years Tom worked as a cabinet maker at the Merillat cabinetry plant in Adrian. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Adrian. Tom was known for his sense of humor and always had a joke ready to share. He enjoyed bowling when he was younger and was a loyal “Detroit Sports Fan” cheering on all the teams.

He will be missed by his daughters, Michelle Blackerby (Roger Schwab), Elizabeth Sterling (Jason Warner) Jennifer (Daks) Meredith and Amy (Scott) Wisniewski; grandchildren, Jacob Meyers, Falcon Hassenzahl, Caitlin Yape, Hannah Kopke, Gavin Huet, Julian Clark, Nicholas Adams and Paul Adams; great-grandchildren, Wolf Hassenzahl and Covington Yape; and his mother-in-law, Jarrell Cole. In addition to his wife, Judi, Tom is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth Kopke; nephew, Gregory Kopke; and father-in-law, Norman Cole.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Adrian, with Dr. Scott Elliott officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the service begins. Burial will occur at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee.