Thomas Edward Thoresen

Thomas Edward Thoresen, a lifelong resident of Sault Ste Marie, MI passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2026, at the age of 78. Tom was born on Nov. 24, 1947, to his birth parents, Rueben and Audrey (Piteau) Thoresen but was raised from a very young age by his maternal grandparents, Emma and Elmer Robinson. Tom graduated with the class of 1966 from Sault High School and in 1967 he married the former Cheryl Blair. Together they raised their son Steve and daughter Julie in a close knit, loving family that included the Blair and Moran families. That love of family continued on as his children married and blessed him with 5 grandchildren and then 3 great-grandchildren all of whom he was so proud of. Tom began his working career with Louie Behling who remained a life long friend. He then was fortunate to be hired by the Edison Sault Electric Co (later to become WEC) and retired from there after 36 years of service. Not one to remain idle, Tom started his own business, Thoresen Excavating, putting in septic systems, basements and driveways among other services for area residents, including snow plowing. He retired from that job, one he truly loved, about three years ago. True to his work-a-holic nature though Tom remained employed by Soo Township unto the end as the Manager of the Pine Grove Cemetery, working alongside his co-worker, Harold McKenzie to maintain the beautiful, peaceful grounds and to help families lay to rest their loved ones. Outside of family activities and work Tom liked to travel with Cheryl in their motor home to Florida where he enjoyed playing golf with friends. He also loved spending time at his hunting camp and just watching the ships passing by on the St Mary's River from the comfort of his living room chair. Tom was a long time member of the First United Presbyterian Church serving currently on the Session Board and as an Usher. He also served on the Soo Coop Credit Union Board of Directors for many, many years, stepping down from that position in 2024. In that time he served in the capacity as Chairman and Vice Chairman and was honored to be named “U.P. Chapter Credit Union Person of the Year” in 2015. The credit union staff always held a special place in Tom's heart. Much loved by his family, he will be sorely missed by his wife of 59 years, Cheryl, his son Steven (Barb), his daughter, Julie (Jim) Martin all of the Sault; five grandchildren, Jessica (Brian) Thompson, Stevie (Anna) Thoresen, Thomas (fiance, Bailey) Martin and Elizabeth and Olivia Martin and three great grandchildren, Lily and Lydia Thompson and Weston Thoresen. Also surviving Tom is his sister Patricia (John) Moran, brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Donna Blair and many very special nieces and nephews along with his brother of the heart, Richard (Trudy) Campbell. Tom also leaves behind many very special friends who enriched his life and blessed him in so many ways. Tom was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, father and mother-in-law, Leland and Virginia Blair, brother and sister-in-law Richard and Beverly Blair and great nephew, Nicholas Bennin and special friend, Dan Hewitt. Our family would like to thank Dr Mackie and McLaren Hospice, especially nurse, Shana, who watched over Tom until the end. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church, 555 Bingham Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, on April 18, 2026 with visitation from 10 AM until 12:00 Noon with funeral services to follow at 12:00 Noon with Reverend Mark Gabbard officiating. A luncheon will take place after the service. Memorials may be left to the First United Presbyterian Church or sent to Cheryl for the purchase of a bench to be placed at the Soo Township Park so others may sit and enjoy the St Mary's River as Tom did. Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault assisted with the arrangements. Condolences may be left at familylifefh.com Obituary as submitted by family.

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Thomas Edward Thoresen

November 24, 1947 - March 19, 2026