Memorial Service: Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the New Beginnings Church in Sturgis.

Thomas Eugene Waltke Age 84 of Sturgis passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Bronson Methodist Hospital.Thomas was born on February 20, 1935 a son to the late Elwood Waltke and Mary Barnell Trattles.On March 12, 1955 Thomas married his wife of 64 years Helen Wondergem in Sturgis at the Church of the Nazarene.Thomas and Helen would spend their lives living in the Sturgis area where they attended New Beginnings Church. Thomas worked in Colon as sexton of Lakeside and South Colon Cemeteries for 44 years. He was also an active member in the Burr Oak Grange and was a member since 1976 making him a member for 43 years. Thomas was a member of the St. Joseph County Fair Board for 23 years and was an avid supporter of 4-H.Thomas is survived by his wife Helen Waltke of Sturgis, children; Beth Forbes of Sturgis, Valarie (Mark) Smith of Sturgis, Jerry (Penny) Waltke of Burr Oak, Thomas Waltke Jr. of Leonidas, several grand and great grandchildren.Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a son Michael Eugene Waltke.Following in his wish's cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial service held at New Beginnings Church in Sturgis on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM. Condolences may be left for the family at Schipperfuneralhome.com