Thomas J. Gortat

Thomas Gortat

February 9, 1942 - June 20, 2025

Thomas Gortat, passed away Friday at home surrounded in love from his family by his side. Tom, Dad, Papa, Mr. Gortat and Coach were just some of the many hats he wore during his 83 years. The lives he touched were woven throughout his devotion to his family and community.

Tom was born in Ida, Michigan on February 9, 1942. He was an adventurous boy with a little bit of mischievousness to him amongst a family of four sisters. He attended St. John’s Catholic Elementary School and then Monroe High School. There he met the love of his life, Carol Stiffler, who he would often tell us put him on the good path. These 18 year old High School Sweethearts were married during a snowstorm on February 4, 1961 at St. Michael’s Parish, and 64 years later were still in love. Tom lived with his wife in Kalamazoo where he attended Western Michigan University. After that first year he knew he wanted to move back to Monroe to raise his family and Monroe was where his heart remained.

After his Die Maker Apprenticeship, Tom worked as a Tool and Die Maker at Ford Motor Company for 35 years. During that time he made lasting friendships with the guys he worked with who after retirement became the Breakfast Buddies. He was very involved in the raising of his three daughters and family was everything to him. He spent time with his family outdoors camping, fishing, boating and many Fourth of Julys at his cottage. He coached his daughter’s girls basketball teams at St. Michael’s for many years and was very involved in the Dad’s Club as well. You could always find him at his workbench with carpentry or fixing things. He was an avid golfer and Tigers, Lions and Spartans sports fan. As great as he was as a Dad he was an even better Papa. He created a different handshake with each one of his grandkids. He continued to be blessed with great grandkids. Alongside his wife, his growing family brought him so much joy.

Tom is survived by his wife Carol (Stiffler) Gortat, daughters Teri Thomas, Holly Bowman and Tracie (Tim) Smith. Grandchildren, Kelsey Thomas, Christie (Evan) Cunningham, Eric Thomas, Shannon (Zack Moore) Thomas and Jacob Smith. Great Grandchildren, Jack, Gabe, Henry and Harrison. Sisters, Betty (Woody) Woods, Lori (Kenny) Brooks and Carolyn Kennedy. Brother in law Donnie (Lora) Stiffler and nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Violet Gortat, his sister Diane Gortat, his in laws Harry and Marguerite Stiffler, Sister-in-laws Joan Stefko, Nancy Owens, Brother-in-laws Jack Stiffler, Will Stiffler, John Stefko and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Rupp Funeral Home from 2 to 7 pm, with a rosary service at 7 pm. The funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church. Tom will lie instate at 10 am with Mass starting at 11 am. Officiating is Fr. Kishore Babu Battu. In accordance with his wishes, cremation will conclude services and he will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Tom are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.