Thelma Jane Tuck, born August 13, 1930, in Saginaw, Michigan to Thomas and Estella (Matteson) Whitchurch, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2019.
Thelma married Lawrence David Tuck on May 31, 1952, in her parents’ home in Houghton Lake, Michigan, one year after having met at the roller-skating rink. Their love of roller-skating/roller-dancing touched the lives of many throughout the years. They taught numerous youth the art of roller-dancing on weekly trips back to Houghton Lake, followed by carloads of teens eager to learn.
Thelma’s first job was at Michigan Bell as an operator, “number please”. Upon moving to Gaylord in 1958, Thelma and Larry owned and operated the Gaylord Producers Dairy and Dairy Bar and later went on to own and operate Lakeside Food Products. Thelma and Larry purchased their farm, Sturgeon Valley Ranch, in 1964 and raised 200+ registered Herefords and a few horses. Thelma also worked alongside Larry in their businesses, Gaylord Lawn Care and Maintenance and Gaylord Snow Plowing. In a venture uniquely her own, Thelma opened “Material Things” a yarn and material shop in Gaylord, specializing in authentic Swiss materials for Alpenfest clothing. Thelma also managed and ran the ski clothing shops at Otsego Club and the Yodeler shop in Gaylord. Thelma is likely best known for her 10 years at Helen’s Hallmark. Thelma knew her customers and had a gift for knowing what her clientele wanted. She catered to their needs and established many long-term customers and friends throughout her years there. Thelma was a true female entrepreneur long before the phrase became popular.
Thelma’s interests throughout her life included teaching downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, farming, belonging to a horse club (though she wasn’t successful at riding them, she sure enjoyed the social aspect), traveling and was an avid bowler for many years. Thelma initiated the Gaylord Community Church Choir program which brought numerous church choirs together for a yearly concert. Thelma and Larry were fortunate to enjoy many years of camping and traveling with their children and Thelma also had the opportunity to travel abroad with family and friends after Larry’s death.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 50 years, Larry Tuck; brother-in-law, Donald Tuck; sister-in-law, Mildred Frantz, and nephew, Timothy Tuck of Traverse City.
Thelma is survived by her sister, Maryanne (Whitchurch) Tuck of Houghton Lake; children, David (Linda) Tuck of Houghton Lake, Tom (Gale) Tuck of Elmira, and Linda (John) Gall of Gaylord.
Thelma was blessed with the love of 9 grandchildren, Amy (Mark) Dreffs, Jason Tuck, Dawn (Dustin) Williams, Logan Tuck, Dani, Kara, and Bryce Holland, Rachel (Todd) Ferrell, Lauren (Ryan) Kukulka; 8 great-grandchildren, Hayden Dreffs, Corey York. Alyssa and Paige Williams, Livia Pearson, Ella, and Owen Ferrell, and Brayden Kukulka.
A Memorial Service will take place on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at the First United Methodist Church, 215 S. Center Ave, in Gaylord. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service being held at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made to Hiland Cottage Hospice House, 1 Hiland Dr., Petoskey, MI 49770, or through the Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734, in Thelma’s memory.
The family is asking friends and family to write any memories they may have of Thelma and Larry and send them to Linda Gall at 2750 Wilkinson Rd Gaylord 49735. These stories will be compiled into a memory book for the family as a keepsake.
7 comments on “Thelma Tuck”
Tuck Family, Your mother, and father were both really nice people. They are both with each other in heaven now and enjoying the peace! I first met them when they had the Dairy Bar and the Producers Dairy. Your dad and mine used to help each other out when one of them had a truck going somewhere, and the other had a truck going somewhere, they took deliveries for each other!
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss! Both of your parents are greatly missed!
Vince
Although I met Thelma just a few years ago as I became her neighbor at Sheldon Place Apts., she will always hold a special place in my heart. I loved her daily “pop-ins” just to share a joke or news story. I. am grateful for the love that she spoke of as she shared pictures (daily) of her family. I will miss Thelma and I hope to see her again at her place in “Angel Row.” May God comfort her family at this time and forever.
Tom and family, I am so sorry for your loss, I know it hurts when we lose a parent. Just know that she is with your dad, now.
God Bless
Dan and I are so sorry to hear this . Thelma will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
Tuck Family, I Met your parents at the roller skating rink in Gaylord. I Saw them on a regular basis during that time. Total enjoyment. About 2 wks ago I found out your mom was at the Brook and we had a wonderful visit. Rest assured your parents were enjoyed by many and I image them skating together in heaven.
Linda, Tom and families. While working for your Mom at Hallmark I never realized she had such an interesting life! Her obituary was a great tribute to her and I was happy to learn about her amazing past. She was wonderful to work for and I always enjoyed seeing her around town after she retired. I Loved getting the chance to visit with her again. I will always picture her on roller skates! ❤️
I don’t know where to begin. Thelma has been part of my journey into healthcare and I can’t even begin to thank her and the family (Linda, Tom, David) for being there for me. I am going to miss Thelma more than anyone could know! My thoughts are with you all!