Thomas F. Sturr, 78, of Pentwater, Mich. and formerly of Oak Park, died Saturday, August 23, 2014 from complications of a stroke. He was born August 30, 1935 in Chicago to Anthony and Estelle (Rimkus) Sturr.
Tom was a 1953 graduate of St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago. He went on to study at John Carroll University and later graduated from the University of Detroit with a degree in Architectural Engineering.
On January 25, 1958 in Berwyn, IL he married the former Dolores Kuchar and began raising a family in Oak Park, IL. He was affiliated with respected Chicago architectural firms Shaw, Metz and Dolio, C.F. Murphy and was a partner with the firm of Perkins & Will at the age of 32.
Tom eventually started his own firm, Thomas F. Sturr Architect in Oak Park, IL and later formed the firm Sturr Young and Associates. His projects included the restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple, with the consultation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s son, Lloyd. Other projects included banks and commercial institutions. Tom also served as a trustee for the Village of Oak Park, IL. A competitive Chicago to Mackinaw sailboat racer since 1960, he discovered Pentwater on a return trip from Mackinaw Island and fell in love with the community and moved his family there in 1976.
Tom is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dolores of Pentwater; five sons, Mark of Crystal Valley, MI, Kurt ( Kathy) of San Jose, CA, Tomas (Beth) of Rockford, MI, Eric (Heather) of Norton Shores, MI, John (Madeline) of Salt Lake City, UT; brother, Edward (Penny) Sturr of Manhattan, KS; brother in law, Chuck (Betsy) Kuchar of Arizona; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents.
The Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Sturr will be offeredSaturday, August 30, 2014 at 11:00 AM from St. Vincent Catholic Church-Pentwater. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 PM at the King Funeral Home-Hart. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Vincent Catholic Church, 637 East Sixth St., Pentwater, MI 49449; C.O.V.E., 906 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431; or Crystal Valley Care Fund, PO Box 451, Hart, MI 49420.
To leave a condolence for the family or sign the online guest book, please visit www.kingfuneralhome.net. King Funeral Home and Cremation Services Hart, Michigan.
OBIT COURTESY OF JOHAN WALSH