Thomas "Tom" Mikolajewski

Thomas William "Tom" Mikolajewski, 82, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Foundation Park Care Center in Toledo, Ohio on July 13th, 2025. Tom was born in Portsmouth, VA on May 7, 1943 to Frank William and Eleanor Helman Mikolajewski.

Tom grew up in Piqua, Ohio where he attended St. Mary’s Elementary and Piqua Catholic High School. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1966, and in a matter of weeks, “Uncle Sam” called and said “I Want You”. He was drafted into the United States Army, graduated from Officer Candidate School, and served his country in Vietnam as a platoon commander, being honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1971.

Upon returning home, Tom moved to Toledo, Ohio and found employment at General Tire & Rubber (later called Textileather) until 1986, when he started two small businesses, a distributorship of Cabana Chips out of Detroit and a local vending route.

Tom married Carol Hider in 1975 at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Catholic Church in Toledo, and they later had a single child, Jason. Tom was a lifelong lover of the outdoors, running and hiking often at Swan Creek Metroparks, and of sports, volunteering as a CYO basketball coach for many years at St. Pat’s, and particularly following his beloved Notre Dame and Bowling Green football and Detroit Tigers baseball teams.

Tom will forever be cherished by Carol Mikolajewski of Toledo, OH; son, Jason Mikolajewski of Chicago, IL; brothers, Frank "Joe" Mikolajewski (Sharon) of Perrysburg, OH and Peter "Jim" Mikolajewski (Sandra) of El Cajon, CA; as well as by his many nieces, nephews and their children.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Eleanor Mikolajewski; brother, Steve; and sister, Pamela.

The funeral Mass for Tom will take place at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Catholic Church, 4201 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH 43614 at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 30th, 2025. Reception for family to follow. Tom will be buried at the Dayton National Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Veteran’s Administration, Foundation Park Care Center, and St. Patrick of Heatherdowns for their wonderful assistance during Tom’s life and this difficult time.

For further information please contact Jason Mikolajewski at 419-464-2209.