In Memory
Thomas Milton Shidaker
July 10, 1946 - April 21, 2025
Thomas M. Shidaker, husband, brother, father, and grandfather, died at the age of 78 on April 21, 2025 in La Feria, TX.
Thomas, a resident of Frederic, WI, was born July 10, 1946 in Mishawaka, IN to Gerald R. (Red) Shidaker and Helen (Bucher) Shidaker. He graduated from Washington High School (Class of 1964), before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps the same year. He served two tours in Vietnam, was promoted to Sergeant, and honorably discharged in 1968. After his military service, Thomas joined the police force in Buchanan, MI. He served as a Patrolman for 25 years, later joining the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department for 4.5 years prior to retiring. He attended Lake Michigan College, earning his associate’s degree.
Thomas married JoAnne (Hinman) Shidaker in 1973. They moved from Michigan to Frederic, WI in 2010 to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. Thomas was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He and JoAnne wintered in Texas, where they could enjoy the warm weather, the beach, and the fishing. He was a devoted grandfather who truly enjoyed spending time with his grandsons.
He is survived by his wife JoAnne, his brother Gerald Shidaker (South Bend, IN), his children Amy (Joshua) Nixon (Minneapolis, MN) and Thomas J. (Angel) Shidaker (South Bend, IN), and his grandsons Finian Nixon and Thomas Shidaker.
Private Services were held.
You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Thomas Milton Shidaker at www.thomaegarza.com.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our Tree Store.
Added 05/16/2026 0851 GMS
https://www.thomaegarza.com/obituaries/Thomas-Milton-Shidaker?obId=42272181
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