Thomas Curtis Gafner

Born on April 12, 1936, in Escanaba, Tom was the son of Emil and Alice (Curtis) Gafner. He grew up in Escanaba, where he attended school before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was honorably discharged on March 31, 1961, after four years of service.

On May 19, 1956, Tom married the love of his life, the former Jean Ann Arnold, in Detroit. Together, they built a life grounded in love, partnership, and shared adventures, celebrating 64 years of marriage before Jean preceded him in death on November 18, 2020.

Following his military service, Tom returned to Escanaba and joined his father’s business, Gafner Automotive and Machine Company. In 1957, he helped launch the manufacturing of the Iron Mule, beginning a long and successful career in the industry. Tom later purchased the company in 1974, renaming it Gafner Machine and expanding its reach with an additional plant in Eufaula, Alabama. In 1983, operations returned to Gladstone, and in 1988, the company was sold to Valmet, a Swedish-based logging company.

Tom lived life with enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure. He found joy snowmobiling with the Tuesday Night Ruff Riders, traveling across the country in his motor coach, and yachting the Great Lakes and the North Channel in Canada. He was an avid golfer and a proud member of the Escanaba Country Club and Terrace Bluff Country Club. Tom was also a dedicated member of the Escanaba and Palmetto, FL Elks Lodge and was honored as Elk of the Year by the Palmetto Club in 2022. Tom served on the U.P. State Bank Board for many years. He had a passion for deer hunting and hunted with family and friends at ScottÕs Camp on Drummond Island for 60 consecutive years.

Above all, Tom treasured his family. He is lovingly survived by his sons, Tim (Linda) Gafner of Escanaba and Scott (Donna) Gafner of Apollo Beach, Fla.; his daughter, Laura Gafner of Gladstone; and his cherished grandchildren, Angie Gafner, Natalie Gafner, Krissa Gafner, Alyssa (Donald) Rogers, Curtis (Brittany) Knauf, Abby (Cohl) Stewart, Blake (Kirstyn) Knauf, and Logan Gafner. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Sheridan, Waylon, Reece, Autumn, Rylee, and Maverick, along with many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Tom was preceded in death by his son, Glenn Gafner, and his sister, Beverly Peterson.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Delta County Veterans Services will be conducted at 4:45 p.m., followed by funeral services in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Pastor Jordan Pardee. A reception will follow at the Elks Club. Entombment will take place at the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum.

The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Gafner family, and online condolences may be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.