Thomas Cline
October 17, 1932 - April 05, 2018
Obituary
Thomas W. Cline of Saginaw Township, Michigan Passed away unexpectedly at Covenant HealthCare-Cooper on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Age 85 years. Thomas William Cline was born in Flint, Michigan, on October 17, 1932, to the late Leo D. and Helen (Wolohan) Cline. He graduated from St. Mary High School, Saginaw. Following graduation, Tom attended and graduated from the University of Detroit in 1954, receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree and then his Juris Doctorate in 1956. Tom enlisted to serve his country with the United States Army and continued his service with the Air Force until his honorable discharge. On July 18, 1959, he married his best friend, Joanne T. Greiner, a fellow U of D graduate whom he met when they both served on the University's 1955 Spring Carnival Committee. Tom served as General Counsel and Senior Vice President for Wickes Corporation, President and C.E.O. of Signature Corporation in Chicago, and Executive Vice President and CEO of Seitner Brothers Inc. Tom and Joanne lived in Saginaw except for four years where they resided in the San Diego area in the mid-1970s. He was active in many civic, social and charitable organizations, which included but not limited to serving as past President of the Saginaw Rotary, past District Governor of Michigan Rotary, and Board Member of Field Neuroscience Institute. According to Tom's request, cremation has taken place. Surviving are his three children: Robert A. (Sandra) Cline of Saginaw, Thomas J. Cline of Saginaw, and Mary (James) Durham of Breckenridge; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three "Legacy Daughters," and four great-grandchildren; three sisters: Elizabeth Brines, Mary Margaret (Daniel) Collins, and Helen Josephine (Frederick) Brenner; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rosemary (Edward) Welch. Tom is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Joanne Greiner Cline on March 23, 2017; brothers: Richard and Charles Cline. FUNERAL: A funeral liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018, at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave., Saginaw. Rev. Fr. Thomas J. McNamara will officiate. VISITATION: Family and friends are invited to gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State) on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. There will be a Vigil Service held on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family and friends will again gather for visitation at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Field Neuroscience Institute or the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com.
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Memories
WC
William Crane
Other •
Tom was a member of the honor guard as a member of I think the air force that marched in the parade opening the Mackinaw Bridge in June, 1958. He and the rest of the honor guard visited the William E. Crane cottage and shared the fun memories of activites of their visit to Mackinaw. I have fond memories of that and other events with the Cline family from early childhood, as dad was their lawyer and he took a big interest in Tom's becoming a lawyer.
JE
Jerry Erskine
Other •
I worked for Wickes Lumber from 1959-1978 starting at Elkhorn,
Wisc., managing Galesburg, Il. and District Mgr. Tom was always ready
to share advice when asked.
Jerry Erskine
Lebanon, Indiana
CB
Cameron Brady
Other •
Tom and I shared lunch many times as part of the Rotary Club of Saginaw - Downtown. I feel the picture chosen for this LIfe Tributes page perfectly summarizes him - smiling, gentle, friendly, sharing cheers... thanks Tom, for inspiring me to do more good.
DS
Deborah Sanchez
Other •
I first had the pleasure of meeting Tom when I worked for Wickes; he was always upbeat. I later would occasionally run into him when I worked for the Public Libraries of Saginaw when was either gathering reading material or doing research at Hoyt Library. It was always nice to see him and to say hello. My condolences to his family and may special memories provide comfort to you.
Deborah Sanchez
JS
Jim Hayes, Sr.
Other •
Tom and Joanne were good friends with me and my late wife, Judy. Tom was always there for advice in my business dealings. The four of us spent a few days in Las Vegas investigating a company that I was interested in purchasing. We enjoyed the trip and I took his advise and walked away from the purchase.
Jim Hayes, Sr.
JK
Jim Kanary
Other •
Helen Jo and family. Sorry for your loss. I knew Tom as a fellow St.Mary graduate and a social friend at the Saginaw Club. He graduated about 10 years before me but we had much in common. What a real class person he was. Always enjoyed our many give and take discussions at the Saginaw Club 5 o"clock Club. We will miss him. May he rest in peace.
Jim Kanary