Thomas F. Sturr, 78, of Pentwater, Michigan, died on Aug. 23, 2014 of complications from a stroke. Born on Aug. 30, 1935 in Chicago to Anthony and Estelle (Rimkus) Sturr, he was a 1953 graduate of St. Ignatius High School and went on to study at John Carroll University, later graduating from the University of Detroit with a degree in Architectural Engineering. On Jan. 25, 1958 in Berwyn, he married the former Dolores Kuchar and began raising a family in Oak Park. Affiliated with respected Chicago architectural firms Shaw, Metz and Dolio and C.F. Murphy, he became a partner with the firm of Perkins & Will at the age of 32. Eventually, he started his own firm, Thomas F. Sturr Architect in Oak Park and later formed the firm Sturr Young 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, commercial institutions, and the Oak Park Mall in the 1970s with Bob Bell. He lived on the 200 block of South East Avenue and served as an Oak Park trustee from 1969 to ’73.
A competitive Chicago to Mackinaw sailboat racer since 1960, he discovered Pentwater on a return trip from Mackinaw Island, fell in love with the community, and moved his family there in 1976.
His architectural firm in Pentwater contributed to the harbor skyline with numerous projects, including St. Vincent Catholic Church. After retirement in June 1998, he developed his love of watercolor painting while continuing work on architectural projects. He always stressed the importance of giving back to the community and helping others.
Tom Sturr is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dolores; his five sons, Mark, Kurt (Kathy), Tomas (Beth), Eric (Heather), and John (Madeline); his eight grandchildren, Anthony, Andrea, Cameron, Kailey, Cooper, Brendan, Alec, and Connor; two great grandchildren, Dylan and Brady; his brother, Edward (Penny) Sturr; his brother-in-law, Chuck (Betsy) Kuchar of Arizona, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on Aug. 30 at St. Vincent Catholic Church, with Fr. Phillip Sliwinski presiding, followed by interment at Pentwater Township Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by King Funeral Home, Hart, Mich.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Vincent Catholic Church, 637 E. Sixth St., Pentwater, MI 49449; C.O.V.E., 906 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431; or Crystal Valley Care Fund, P.O. Box 451, Hart, MI 49420.