Rev. Thomas Neis

Reverend Thomas A. Neis entered eternal life on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, in Traverse City at the age of 81. Father Tom was born February 8, 1926, to William and Mary (Lappin) Neis in Detroit, Michigan. He attended St. Catherine Elementary School in Detroit, followed by St. Joseph and Sacred Heart Seminaries in Detroit, and St. John Provincial Seminary in Plymouth. He was ordained at St. Andrew Cathedral in Grand Rapids by the Most Rev. Francis J. Haas on June 7, 1952. Following his ordination, Father Tom served the parishes of St. Patrick in Portland, St. John Vianney, Sts. Peter and Paul and St. Andrew Cathedral in Grand Rapids (where he also worked in the chancery), St. Joseph in Muskegon, Sacred Heart in Victory, St. Mary in Manistee, St. Mary in Grayling, St. Francis of Assisi in Traverse City, St. Matthew in Boyne City, St. Augustine in Boyne Falls, St. Mary in Charlevoix, St. Casimir in Posen and St. Raphael in Copemish. Father Tom was the Superintendent of Manistee Catholic Central Jr. and Sr. High School from 1964 until 1971. He was appointed Superintendent of Christian Education for the Diocese of Gaylord in 1972. In 1975 he continued his education at the North American College in Rome. He served the diocese as a Vicar, Knights of Columbus Chaplain and member of the Presbyteral Council and College of Consultors. In 1991 he was elected by his fellow priests to serve on the Interim Priestly Life Committee. Father Tom retired to Senior Priest status in July of 2005, but continued to minister in Posen and Copemish until October 2006, when he moved to Immaculate Conception Parish in Traverse City. He served His Lord and Savior faithfully until his last moment and was an inspiration to all who knew him. He died peacefully in prayer. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ellen (Wallace) Laughlin of Los Alamitos, California; and his sisters-in-law, Barbara Neis and Virginia Neis; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, John and William. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 4, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street in Traverse City, and on Monday, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 720 Second Street in Traverse City until the Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Reverends John McCracken and Dale Magoon will preside. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, November 6, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Traverse City with Reverend James Hayden presiding. The Prayer of Commendation will be offered by Most Reverend Patrick Cooney. Burial will take place on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Cemetery in Grand Rapids (4100 Clyde Park S.W.) with the Most Reverend Robert Rose presiding. In lieu of flowers, Father Tom suggested that memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Radio Network for Northern Michigan: Baraga Broadcasting, Inc., PO Box 1109, Indian River, MI 49749. We join in prayer for the repose of his soul: May the Angels lead you into paradise. May the Martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem. Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guest book at www.legacy.com/ record-eagle. Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.