Longtime Marquette Resident Thomas 'Tom' Osier Dies at 80

Osier spent 30 years working for the Michigan Department of Corrections before retiring in 2000.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 12:00am

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Thomas "Tom" Henry Osier, a longtime resident of Marquette, Michigan, passed away on November 23, 2025 at the age of 80 after a period of illness. Osier was born and raised in Bessemer, Michigan and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1963. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in social work from Northern Michigan University in 1967 and spent his career working for the Michigan Department of Social Services and the Michigan Department of Corrections, where he rose to the rank of deputy warden before retiring in 2000.

Why it matters

Osier's passing marks the end of an era for Marquette, as he was a well-known and respected figure in the community who was active in various outdoor hobbies and volunteered to help his neighbors. His career in public service also highlights the important role that state-level social services and corrections departments play in local communities.

The details

After graduating from college, Osier began his career in public service in 1967 with the Alger-Marquette Community Action Board and later worked for the Michigan Department of Social Services in Marquette. In 1970, he accepted a position with the Michigan Department of Corrections at the Marquette Branch Prison, where he served faithfully for 30 years and advanced to the role of deputy warden before retiring in 2000.

  • Thomas "Tom" Henry Osier passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
  • Osier was born and raised in Bessemer, Michigan and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1963.
  • Osier earned his bachelor's degree in social work from Northern Michigan University in 1967.
  • Osier began his career in public service in 1967 with the Alger-Marquette Community Action Board.
  • Osier accepted a position with the Michigan Department of Corrections at the Marquette Branch Prison in 1970 and served there for 30 years before retiring in 2000.

The players

Thomas "Tom" Henry Osier

A longtime resident of Marquette, Michigan who passed away at the age of 80 after a period of illness. Osier had a long career in public service, working for the Michigan Department of Social Services and the Michigan Department of Corrections before retiring in 2000.

Kathryn Stefaniak

Osier's beloved wife of 58 years, whom he met in 10th grade.

Joseph and Alvere (Anderson) Osier

Osier's parents, who raised him in Bessemer, Michigan.

Michigan Department of Social Services

The state agency where Osier worked early in his career.

Michigan Department of Corrections

The state agency where Osier spent the majority of his career, rising to the rank of deputy warden before retiring in 2000.

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What’s next

A memorial service for Tom and his wife, Kathryn, will be held on Friday, May 8, at Messiah Lutheran Church at 11 a.m., with Pastor Steve Solberg officiating.

The takeaway

Osier's passing marks the end of an era for Marquette, as he was a well-known and respected figure in the community who dedicated his career to public service and made a lasting impact through his work in social services and corrections.