Thomas Vern Bachman

Thomas Vern Bachman

Born on October 29, 1951, in Marshall, Michigan to Guy and Norma (Huntington) Bachman, Tom Bachman (Bruno) passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

Bruno graduated from Marshall High School in 1970 and went on to serve two years in the Army, stationed at Desaderio Field in Ajhone, Korea as an Air Traffic Controller.  After being discharged, he went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.

In his younger years and while attending college, Bruno painted houses during the summer with Don VanderGeest.  After graduating from college, Bruno accepted a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield in its Kalamazoo office.  He then transferred to the Grand Rapids offices as a Systems Specialist, finishing as the IT Manager in its Detroit Regional office, where he retired in 2014.  After retirement, he moved back to the Marshall area, purchasing a home in the country with 15 acres, something he always wanted.

With a love for sailing, Bruno spent hours on the water racing sail boats on Gull Lake and moving on to race on Lake Michigan.  In his younger years, he played fastpitch softball, loved riding his Harley, and spent many hours playing golf with his friends and brother Chuck. Although many people didn’t realize it, Bruno was an amazing artist, making countless sketches and oils, including one amazing portrait.  He painted mostly landscapes with old barns.  He was a kind, caring, compassionate and wonderful friend and brother and will be missed.

Bruno is survived by his brother Chuck Bachman of Marshall and his sister Becky (Roger) Pierce of Colorado, and special friends including Ray Crull (deceased), Tom Hess, Alison (Twist) Yarger, Kirk VanderGeest and Phyl Bennett, just to name a few.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his parents. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful and kindhearted care Bruno received in his final weeks of life at Drew’s Place in Coldwater.

There will be a blessing and burial at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall in May as well as a Celebration of Life afterwards for people to share their stories.  The time will be announced at a later date.  Memorials in honor of Bruno may be made to Drew’s Place, 289 Perkins St., Coldwater, MI 49036.

The family is being serviced by the Kempf Funeral and Cremation Services in Marshall, Michigan.