Subscribe to updates for Thaddeus Bork

Thaddeus “Todd” Joseph Bork, age 52, of Temperance, MI, left us too soon and too suddenly on Thursday, February 16, 2017. He was born to John and Genevieve Bork on February 22, 1964. Todd then fit an amazing amount of living into the next 52 years.

The eighth of nine children, Todd grew up on the corner of Jackman and Dean in Temperance, MI in a two-bedroom house built by his grandfather in 1924. He attended St. Anthony’s through eighth grade and graduated from Bedford High School in 1983. A classic car fan, he went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from Monroe Community College.

Most people are lucky to have one true love in life, but Todd had two – his loving wife, Michelle, and lawn care. He fell in love with lawn care first, starting with a simple mowing job at Mt. Caramel Church at 14 years old. At 20, he started his own lawn care business and didn’t stop for 32 years. Todd kept up his enthusiasm from the first spring clean-up to the last fall clean-up each and every lawn care season. If we all took on our life’s work with the pride and passion Todd Bork did, this world would be a better place.

In September 1986, mowing grass finally took a bit of a backseat when he entered a Frisch’s Big Boy in Sylvania, OH and met the woman who would make him happy for the rest of his life. He married Michelle Nichols on November 18, 1989, and they went on to raise three incredible children together. In fact, they did just about everything together – lawn care, school events, operating the much-loved M.T. Loonies Pub & Grub, community volunteering, and vacationing many places, especially at their beloved Walt Disney World as Disney Vacation Club members. Their biggest dreams came true on November 7th of last year when family and friends gathered at the Most Magical Place on Earth to watch their daughter, Addison, marry the man of her dreams.

Todd and Michelle’s marriage was the definition of magic and teamwork. They built many, many fantastic things together over the years, including turning Todd’s two-bedroom childhood home into a five-bedroom arts and craft-style masterpiece for all to enjoy. However, none of their accomplishments were as significant or as outstanding as their family. Between Michelle, Todd, Addison, Aidan and Aspen, the Bork family has touched just about every corner of Bedford, Todd’s cherished hometown. Todd Bork loved Bedford and Bedford loved him right back.

Although we wish he were still with us so that we could hear his beautiful voice and see his wonderful grin, Todd passed right where he likely would have wanted – on the corner of Jackman and Dean, where his wonderful life began. He did more with his 52 years than most people could do with 100 years. His well-lived life only makes it hurt more. We love you, Todd. You are the best kind of man any family, friend and community could ask for.

Todd is survived by his best friend and wife, Michelle Bork; children Addison (Winston) Tuck and Aidan Bork, Bradenton, FL, and Aspen Bork, Temperance; siblings Mary Jo (Dave) Swartz, Genevieve “Bonny” Moyer, Dorothea (Paul) Bettinger, Elizabeth (Willie) Fox, John Bork, Tom (Yen) Bork, and Phillip Bork; and 23 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Daniel Bork.

Visitation will be from 3-7 pm, Monday, February 20, 2017 at the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Rd. (at Jackman), Temperance, MI, where a service will follow at 7:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Open House will take place on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at The Bork Home at 8153 Jackman Rd. (at Dean), Temperance, MI. www.pawlakfuneralhome.com