Thomas Jendrowski

Thomas Leon Jendrowski went to be with our Lord on Holy Saturday March 30, 2024 surrounded by his loving wife Barbara and children. He leaves a legacy of love and dedication. Tom was very proud of his family and friends. He truly wanted only the best for everyone around him. Tom was born on July 22, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan to Leon and Clara Jendrowski. Tom was the eldest of 4 boys, Carl (Joann) Paul (Betty) and Raymond (Mary). Preceded in death by many special family members and friends. Especially his parents, brothers Carl, Paul (Elizabeth), son David and niece Michelle. Tom was raised in Detroit and was very nostalgic of his city. He had great memories of playing in Callahan Park with the boys, protecting the ice rink and running bases. He served as an altar boy at St. Hyacinth Catholic church and worked at a young age to contribute to his childhood family. He proudly graduated from high school St. Stanislaus in1952. Tom married the love of his life Barbara Vaiar on April 30, 1955. Together they loved and raised five children Thomas (Linda), David, Donna (Ronald), Susan (Brian), Nancy (Jacques). Along with 9 grandchildren, Lindsey(Justin), Jessica (Nick), Chelsea (Vajih), Nicholas (Heather), Katie (Tyler), Garrett, Emily, Elizabeth, Jonah. The family continues to grow with an added 10 great grandchildren. Tom’s greatest joy and accomplishment was the life that he and Barbara built together. He was Uncle Tommy to many nieces and nephews including all the “friend cousins” from a lifetime of strong friendships. So many photo albums are filled with pictures of wonderful memories. Tom had a strong work ethic that he passed on to his children. He told many stories of driving a United Parcel (UPS) truck throughout metro Detroit. We could always count on Tom for directions and a local map. After leaving UPS, he built a career at Valenite Tool and Die for almost 40 years.Tom was man of character and commitment. He was of the generation that worked their way up and retired as a respected Logistics manager for a company that he loved. Throughout his life, Tom enjoyed spending time with family and friends, maintaining the yard, playing cards, bowling, golfing, vacationing, and was active in the Knights of Columbus. When Tom and Barb retired in 1993 they moved to Sugar Springs (Gladwin Mi) and Palm Aire (Sarasota FL). As a snowbird, Tom enjoyed reading the newspaper, taking long drives with Barbara, community gatherings, BBQs and of course bragging about his wife’s Polish cooking, He truly felt blessed to be a grandpa and was inclined to advise his children and grandkids; he personally kept the USPS in business by mailing articles on life, Detroit history, investing and sports. Even though the Florida sun was great, he was a Michigander through and through. Vernors, Faygo Red Pop floats, and Better Made potato chips were household favorites. Tom, with Barb, spent his last years in Suttons Bay, MI and then Traverse City, MI at Bayridge Assisted Living Center. . Although he struggled with Alzheimers in his final years, he didn’t let the disease take his sense of humor (Hajibaba) and concern for others. He definitely left the world a better place. Thank you to the support of Bayridge Assisted living staff who dearly loved and cared for Tom (and Barb) along with Hospice of Michigan. Memorial Visitation for Tom will be held on Thursday, June 6th from 4-8 p.m. with a 7 pm Rosary at the Wasik Funeral Home, Inc., 11470 Thirteen Mile Road (west of Hoover) Warren. Family and friends will gather on Friday, June 7th at 10:30 a.m. until an 11 a.m. Memorial Mass at St. Michael Catholic Community, 40501 Hayes Road (north of 17 Mile) Sterling Heights. Inurnment will take place following Mass in Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. Memorial donations in memory of Tom may be addressed to The Alzheimers Association Greater Michigan Chapter at www.alz.org/gmc or to The Capuchin Mission Detroit at www.cskdetroit.org

Thomas Jendrowski

July 22, 1934 - March 30, 2024