Tony Fochtman

Tony Louis Fochtman, 59, of Petoskey, died December 4, 2020 at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital with a family member by his side.

Tony was born on March 29, 1961, the son of Louis and Barbara (Hall) Fochtman.  He graduated from Petoskey High School in 1979 and attended Marquette University.

Upon returning to the area, Tony started in management with K-Mart which moved him to various areas of the state, and later worked for Vital Care in Gaylord and Traverse City.  He then took a position with Glen’s Markets (now D & W) as the service area manager.  Tony retired in 2017 and then spent his newfound time traveling and volunteering at various non-profits.  

Tony’s faith was strong in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He lived his life by Matthew 5:16 letting his light shine so that others could see his good works and give glory to God in heaven.  Tony worshiped at Jesus Is Lord Community Church in Bay Shore.  He managed the Manna Food Pantry at the church and assisted the Praise and Worship team by providing the lyric presentations using at times photos from his travels.

Tony was passionate about history. He was extremely knowledgeable about civil war history and would center his vacations around visiting battlefields and other historically significant sites.  He was also interested in his own family history and genealogy, spending many hours researching his lineage and visiting family cemetery plots.

Tony also was an avid sports fan.  The Detroit Tigers were his favorite team and he enjoyed watching games and knew every team, player, and their stats for years.  He enjoyed watching all sports, especially the games and performances by his nephew and niece, Ryan and Katelyn.

Those that knew Tony will remember him most for his open, kind and self-less personality.  He had a generous spirit and great sense of humor, never letting a pun-opportunity go to waste. He will fondly be remembered as “a friend to everyone.”

Tony is survived by his mother Barbara A. Fochtman; sister Jacquelyn (Robert) Wheaton; nephew Ryan Wheaton; niece Katelyn Wheaton; aunts Rose Fochtman and Janet (Dean) Welsheimer; and many cousins and close friends.

Tony is preceded in death by his father Louis Fochtman.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Bear River Pavilion (101 East Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770) on August 5, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family wishing to make a charitable donation in his memory are asked to consider the Manna Food Project c/o Jesus Is Lord Community Church (10593 Seneca Ave, Charleviox, MI 49720). 

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