Thomas Stimac
HOUGHTON — Thomas Neil Stimac, 77, of Trimountain, more recently of Houghton, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, after a short battle with MDS. Tom was born on October 21, 1948, in Hancock to Peter and Arlene Stimac, grew up in Trimountain and was a 1966 graduate of Jeffers High School.
In 1968, Tom joined the US Army, serving in the central highland of Vietnam with the 359th Transportation Company.
After his service, Tom worked for 29 years at the White Pine Mine until it’s closing as a laborer, drill blaster, smelter and electrician. After the closing of the mine, he worked at the CCISD as a maintenance and transportation coordinator until his retirement. He continued to substitute drive bus until his illness no longer allowed.
Tom was joined in marriage to Cheryl Johnson on February 10th, 1979, at Grace Lutheran Church in South Range and spent 47 wonderful years together.
He was a proud member of the Range VFW Post 6165 where he was All State Quarter Master his last year. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Copper Country Vets, and the Alfred Erickson American Legion Post #186.
Tom was an avid hacker at Wyandotte Hills Golf course, enjoyed spending his summers at camp in Twin Lakes with family, and four-wheeling with friends. He will be remembered as a go-getter who never sat still, a hard worker always willing to help whether friends or strangers and a jokester who never took anything too seriously.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Joe Quilici, in-laws, Smoky and Clara Johnson, sister Fran Dion, brother’s-in-law: John Dion and Earl Johnson and sister-in-law; Cindy Keranen.
Tom leaves behind his loving wife Cheryl, children Rick Verran (Rebecca Schutz), Julie (Tyler) Hartung, Kristin (Tim) Lystila and Michael (Victoria) Stimac. Tom will be greatly missed by nine grandchildren, Chloe Snell, Logan Verran, Landon Hartung, Holli (Joshua) Britton, Simon, Soren, Cohen and Hank Lystila, Jovi Stimac
and 2 great grandchildren, Emma and Derrek. He is also survived by his brother David (Diana) Stimac, numerous nieces, nephews and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Tommy will be missed by his childhood buddies, whose friendship has lasted a lifetime. The family would like to say a special thank you to them for all of their help in recent months.
A Memorial Service for Tom will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in South Range with Pastor Bucky
Beach to officiate. Spring burial will take place in the Mt. View Cemetery in South Range.
Friends and family will gather for a visitation at Grace Lutheran Church in South Range on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 9 a.m. until the time of the memorial service.
A luncheon to celebrate Tom and share stories will take place at the Range VFW following the service.
To view Tom’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range has been assisting the family with the arrangements.