Thomas Joseph Umlauf Sr.'s Obituary
Thomas Joseph Umlauf, Sr., of Gainesville FL, was born on July 27, 1928, in Detroit,
MI, and entered into eternal life on September 20, 2015, at the age of 87 years.
Affectionately known as “Daddio,” Tom was a devoted husband of 65 years to his best
friend, Gwendolyn, who preceded him to their heavenly home on May 2, 2015. He is
survived by their ten children: Tom, Jr., Cheryl (Paul), Michael (Nancy), John (Charron),
Mark (Debbie), Greg, Joe, Marie, Bill (Laura), and Jane (Bob); grandchildren: Eric
(Violette), Brandon (Krystal), Krista (Andy), Tim (Joni), Kennedy, Lindsey (David),
Courtney, Jenna (Mark), Kristine (Bryon), Freddy, Lia, Jeremy, Joshua, Jay, Katie,
Rebecca, and Aaron; great-grandchildren: Amira, Sherene, Jensen, Ezekiel, Parker, and
Brecken. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and José
– Tom’s and Gwen’s “eleventh Umlauf child,” for whom they were foster parents. Tom is
predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Rose Umlauf, and siblings, Clarence Jr., Helen,
Jim, and Marion.
Tenacious, creative, generous, pious, and compassionate, Tom was a highly respected
leader on many fronts – Umlauf family patriarch, businessman, entrepreneur, civil rights
activist, Catholic Church advocate, spiritual advisor, and founder of numerous
community organizations.
Nicknamed “The King of Hearts,” Tom suffered a lifetime of complications from
rheumatic heart disease, which struck at age ten and again at age 20, while he served in
the U.S. Army. Tom endured multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, yet never
complained nor allowed his illness to define him. Ever the loyal Florida Gator fan, Tom
would alert his surgeons: “My blood runs orange and blue.” By his example, Tom taught
us about resilience and the incredible power of the human spirit to rise above what he
called “life’s little speed bumps.”
During his professional years, Tom was employed as a financial officer for Chrysler
Corp. and Spencer Meat Packing Co. He was owner and president of Gordon Sausage
Co. In 1974, Tom and Gwen moved to Gainesville, FL, where he owned and operated
The Canopy tavern; worked for Driltech, Inc.; and became Director of Resource
Development and Public Relations for Mental Health Services, Inc. Tom founded the
Cris Collinsworth Benefit Classic, an annual golf tournament that generated funds for
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare and the construction of the Sid Martin Bridge House.
Tom was actively involved the Civil Rights Movement; founded CFM (Christian Family
Movement) at St. Alphonsus Church; led the Cursillo movement; and co-founded Focus
Hope, all in Michigan. Tom also co-founded Pax Christi, AMI (Alliance for the Mentally
Ill); and served in the ministries at Holy Faith Catholic Church and Catholic Charities, all
in Florida.
One of Tom’s most memorable attributes was his competitive spirit. He enjoyed playing
baseball, debating politics, and winning all kinds of card games, especially Euchre.
Always the guru of the game, Tom’s words will be uniquely remembered by anyone who
happened to be his Euchre partner: “You trumped my Ace!”
Tom was an avid reader, writer, and teacher of spirituality and non-violence. He shared
his spiritual commitment with Gwen, and together they led a faith-filled life deeply
devoted to helping those in need. By tithing annually for the poor, Tom and Gwen
championed the essence of Gandhi’s message: “Live simply so that others may simply
live.”
Tom will be dearly missed and his legacy of unconditional love and caring will be a
source of inspiration for all of us blessed to have loved him and to have been loved by
him. Tom, you will live on in our hearts.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, September 28, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32607, with Father John Philips as celebrant. Interment will follow with military honors on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. The family will receive friends Sunday, September 27, 2015 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Holy Faith Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606 or Holy Faith Catholic Church Building Program, 747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32607.
Our family is like a patchwork quilt
With kindness gently sewn.
Each piece is an original
With beauty of its own.
With threads of warmth and happiness,
It’s tightly stitched together
To last in love throughout the years.
Our family is forever.
~ Jeremiah Junction, Inc. 1989
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