Thomas Erwin Slager

Thomas Erwin Slager passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024, at the age of 95. He was born the last of 10 children in Muskegon, Michigan to the late Peter and Mabel (Caswell) Slager on June 15, 1929.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Maria; daughters, Deb and Betsy; sons, Pete (Becky), Mark (Melinda) Slager, Jim (Mandy), Rob (Teresa) and Joel Meyers; grandchildren: John (Loritta), Robert, Thomas (Valarie), Andrew (Kayla) and Lucas Slager, Danielle (Matt) Warren, Mackenzie, Greyson, Bennett, Donovan, Robert, Bridget and Maura Meyers; great-grandchildren, Chris, Hailey, Liam and Avery Slager, Chloe, Jackson, Isabella, Gunner and Maverick Warren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa; seven sisters: Evelyn Hage, Lucille Harrington, Lona Slager, Leona VanDonkelaar, Mae Slager, Belle Richards and Betty Hansen; two brothers, John and Bob Slager; and first wife, Florence Vera (Craig) Slager, who passed away in 1975 and was the mother of Deb, Pete, Mark, Betsy and Lisa.

Tom attended the University of Michigan, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. This led him to become a life-long U of M fan.

He worked in various accounting and finance leadership roles at; CWC Foundry Company in Muskegon, MI, the Brunswick Corporation, also in Muskegon, Marion, VA and Kalamazoo, MI, IKD Domore Office Furniture in Elkhart, IN, Office Interiors of Granger, IN and Double Day Brothers of Lansing, MI.

Tom also served on the Board of Directors for WNIT, the local Public Broadcasting Chanel, from 1989 – 2008. During this time, Tom served as Vice-Chairman, Treasurer and the Budget and Finance Chairman. He was one of three people to receive a Lifetime Board Member designation from WNIT. Tom also serviced on various boards including the Elkhart YMCA and Beacon Health Systems Investment Committee. He was always there for his family, friends and community, and taught his kids to do the same.

While not at work, Tom enjoyed playing golf, softball, handball and spending time at the lake with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a man of strong opinions. Opinions he was happy to share with anyone, including the Wall Street Journal, and published twice.

A visitation for Tom will take place at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 4 – 6:30 p.m. Funeral Services will also be held at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Memorial donations in Tom’s name can be made to WNIT at www.wnit.org or Center for Hospice Care at www.CFHCare.org.