R. Thomas ‘Tom’ Peters Jr.

Born June 21, 1932, Tom was raised in Marquette where he graduated from Graveraet High School in 1950. Following graduation, Tom studied at Rutgers State University in New Jersey for a year. Returning to Marquette, he graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1955. His first teaching assignment was at Dudley Elementary School in Battle Creek for two years. During this time, he met Marjorie Clareen Hood, who would later become his wife. In 1957, when President Edgar Harden planned to open Northern Michigan University’s first alumni office, he called on Tom to run it, having heard of Tom’s spirited ability to gather alumni together for homecoming events. That was the beginning of a career that would span five NMU presidents as the alumni director and as the architect and executive director of the NMU Development Fund. In 1960, Tom earned his M.A. in educational administration and was one of the first students to graduate with a master’s degree from NMU. Throughout the years, Tom’s accomplishments grew and included induction into the NMU Sports Hall of Fame. He coached football and basketball for the former Bishop Baraga High School, Marquette Senior High School, and NMU, where he also coached golf. For several years, Tom also served as NMU’s legislative liaison with the Michigan Legislature, and was a former president of the Air Force Association. He was a member of more than 30 fraternal, social, and service organizations. He was very active in giving and fundraising for Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Tom was part and parcel of what Tom Brokaw called The Greatest Generation – folks who had the strength of mind and heart to forge into the future with purpose and determination. At a moment’s notice, Tom could stand in front of a room of hundreds and draw up an inspirational quote, passage or story, and light up the room. Rarely forgetting a name, he could walk into a restaurant, stadium, airport, anywhere and he would run into someone he knew, or knew him. He truly belonged to NMU having had responsibility for most of the non-academic areas at one time or another until his retirement in 1994. From 1952, as an undergraduate at NMU, until his retirement 42 years later, Tom saw a multitude of changes, many of which he initiated and guided to fruition. He was a man of vision and hope, and vigorously imparted his enthusiasm to those around him.

Back at home, Tom was a loving husband and father. However, the family did have to endure his passion for sports with the television most always tuned to something athletic. He could also entertain on the piano with most parties ending with Tom at the piano leading a sing-a-long. With the passage of time, a true gift of family came with the arrival of grandchildren, each unique, and open to the love and mentoring of doting grandparents. Those were truly golden years.

Tom was creative, industrious, had a great sense of humor yet always remained humble and true to himself. He was genuine and giving and he could be epitomized by the phrase, family, country, God, character, decency. Someone who was at peace with himself and strove for a better existence for others.

Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years, Clareen; his sons, Robert Thomas (Alicia) Peters III of Traverse City, William Michael Peters of Minneapolis, MN; daughters, Susan Rae (David) Kanigan of Darien, CT, Julie Kay (Paul) Keson of Ludington; eight grandchildren, Robby, Allison, Ryan, and Matt Peters, Rachel and Eric Kanigan, and Jenna and Trey Keson; his sister, Mary Lee (Mike) Lalich of Duluth, MN; several nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Pearl Peters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the R. Thomas Peters, Jr. Endowed Scholarship, Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855. A memorial service is being planned for early May and details will be forthcoming.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswanson hansen.com.