Thomas James "Tom" Bradley

     Thomas James Bradley, 82 years old, was born on December 23, 1942, and passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on January 3, 2025.
     Tom was born in Alma, Michigan and grew up in the Ashley and Bannister area. He graduated from Ashley Schools in 1961. Tom received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Divisional Social Science from Michigan State University in 1965. Upon graduation from MSU, Tom served 3 1/2 years in the Peace Corps in Ecuador from 1965-68. During his Peace Corps service, Tom worked on special projects, taught and counseled at the local school, and provided service throughout the Guayaquil area. Tom settled in the Bannister area and ran the family dairy farm.
      The most important part of Tom’s life was his family. On June 24, 1972, he married the love of his life, Diane Kay Kasik. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed dancing, music, their shared Czech heritage, and participating and leading numerous community and volunteer activities together. Their loving marriage of 52 years brought four children: Anmarie and Tisha Bradley-Dodd of Ashley, MI; Thomas Jr. and Paula Bradley of Midway, Utah; Sarah Bradley of Grand Rapids, MI; and Mary Bradley and Charles Olsen of Frankfort, MI. The joys of his life brought further happiness with the addition of grandchildren: Bradly, Meggan (Mark), Gary, Isaac, Layla, Thomas, Edward (Erin), and Gregory. In addition, Tom greatly enjoyed his great-grandchildren: Amelia, Mathilde, Ginevra, and Rhys.
      In addition to his family, community was extremely important to him. Tom believed that if everyone lifted each other up, our communities and overall society would flourish. Tom was passionate about his Czech heritage and was an active member for 82 years of the BetterLife ZCBJ Lodge Bannister where he led many events and community service projects. He served as chair of the Czechoslovak Harvest Festival (1976-2024), co- founded the Bannister Czechoslovak Folk Dance Group along with his wife Diane in 1976, chair of the Blood Drive in Bannister for over 50 years, chair of Adopt-a-Highway for over 30 years, Bannister Recycling Center, and served as ZCBJ lodge secretary, trustee, and historian. He also served on the BetterLife (Western Fraternal Life Association) National Board of Directors from 1991-2011. Tom grew up with his Czech heritage being an integral part of his life. He spoke fluent Czech and brought Czech polka and waltz to the community through the Ovid-Elsie WOES Radio Station. The Jolly Bohemian Show, beginning in 1978, was the first polka programming of the station. The Jolly Bohemian show ran for over 45 years. He also captured and provided genealogy information to local Czech and Slovak families.
     Tom served 55 years as Elba Township trustee, retiring in 2024. Through his work as trustee, he engaged in several impactful projects, including the creation of the Ashley District Library and the replacement of each Maple River bridge. He also served on the Gratiot County Zoning Board of Appeals since 1972, and served as chairperson of the zoning board for 16 years.
      Tom was a man of great faith and a member of St. Cyril’s Catholic Church in Bannister. He received 4th Degree Knight honors and served as treasurer with the Bannister Knights of Columbus and was a member of the Parish Council. He also served the church as a lector. Tom was a dedicated volunteer with the Elsie Food Pantry and served on its Board of Directors. Tom was a gifted speaker and brought comfort to over 300 families, presiding over their loved one’s funeral services over the past 35 years.
     Tom humbly received many honors for his service including: National Fraternalist of the Year for BetterLife (WFLA); 2004 South Gratiot Person of the Year from the Gratiot County Chamber of Commerce; Outstanding Citizen in Clinton County; recognition from the township, county, and state of Michigan for his 55 years of service to Elba Township and Gratiot County; 2018 Community Service Recognition from Gleaners; Fraternalist of the Year from Michigan Fraternal Alliance; and Heart of a Lion Award from the Ashley Lions Club. Tom and his wife, Diane, were inducted into the Michigan Polka Hall of Fame in 2011.
     Tom will be joyfully welcomed into heaven by his parents, Thomas and Mildred (Skayrd) Bradley, and siblings: Gary and Romona, as well as in-laws Jerry and Anna Kasik.
     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church, Bannister, MI, on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Thai H. Nguyen presiding. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Elba Twp, at a later date. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI, on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 2-8 P.M. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Tom will forever be remembered for the legacy he has left through his family, community involvement, and service to others. To further his passion for community, donations can be made in his memory to Bannister ZCBJ Building Fund, Elsie Area Food Pantry, St. Cyril’s Memorial Fund, or Ovid-Elsie WOES Radio Station. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.