Thomas Emerson Opdycke

Thomas Emerson Opdycke of Bryan, Ohio passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026 in the evening. Born and raised on a farm on the infamous County Road G outside Stryker, Ohio. Tom was the son of Emerson and Ruth (Peugeot) Opdycke. A farmboy who also graced the cover of American Cooner (a renowned coon hunter magazine) alongside his father, grandfather, and their home-raised Black & Tan coon dogs. Tom was the beloved brother of Joan and Jane who doted and loved him immensely. Joan and Jane regularly reminded Tom that he’s their favorite little brother. Tom went on to attend Stryker Local Schools and graduated in 1972.

A couple years later Tom met and married Teresa Norrick and resided together on the original Opdycke homestead on County Road G with their wild and wooly kids; Amanda and Andrew. Those two rascally children loved taking lunch to their Dad while he worked in the fields. The kids were thrilled when their Dad bought a new combine with air conditioning and a radio so they could see their Dad in action. Tom loved attending every activity his kids participated in. Fast forward to 2002 when Tom met Susie Grubb - a vivacious, spirited woman with three ornery boys of her own, at the Bryan Eagles where Susie worked. When Tom first met Susie, she would often leave $20 on the counter for her boys to order pizza. Tom was amazed at the amount of food they could eat. One of Tom and Susie’s long running phrases was: “Do you wanna come over for cold pizza?” Tom took Kolby, Kacey, Keaton, and Rocky under his wing and over time successfully converted Keaton from a Michigan fan to Buckeye’s fan. In 2013, after more than a decade of love, Tom and Susie married on December 13, 2013. They enjoyed outings with family and kept each other laughing throughout their marriage.

One of Tom’s greatest joys in life were his grandchildren: Redding, Logan, Aurora, Rowan, Teagan, Addison, Hudson, Holland, Jackson, Emerson, and Lilly. Any chance Tom had to spend time with and dote upon his grandkids he did every time with gusto! Whether Tom was cheering them on, a watchful after-school tutor, or excitedly sharing pictures and videos of his grandkids with everyone he could - he adored all of his grandchildren as the delightful cherubs they are.

Tom’s love didn’t stop with his beloved family, his humor, generosity, and kindred spirit was felt by everyone he encountered. He had spirited golf adventures with friends of all ages. At one point in his mid-40’s, Tom grew out his hair, tied it back into a low ponytail, and traversed roads near and far on his custom painted Harley. It is a fact no one can deny that Tom never met a stranger.

While Tom has rejoined loved ones who passed before him, he leaves behind a gaggle of family who miss him deeply. Tom is survived by his wife Susie (Landel) Grubb, daughter Amanda Opdycke (Daniel Contreras III), son Andrew Opdycke (Gwen Opdycke), step-son Kolby Grubb (Hannah Grubb), step-son Kacey Grubb (Melissa Grubb), step-son Keaton Grubb (Moriah Grubb), step-son Rocky Grubb, and of course all the grandchildren. Tom’s beloved older sisters Joan McNamee (Don McNamee) and Jane Elder (Randy Elder) survive their favorite little brother.

A celebration of life will take place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Pulaski United Methodist Church in Bryan, Ohio, Pastor Nico Kinner will officiate, followed by an open house at the church. In lieu of flowers and mementos, the family kindly asks for donations to support the family expenses during these unexpected and unprecedented times.

Online condolences may be given and the guest register may be signed for Tom and his family at: www.krillfuneralservice.com

Tom’s family lovingly prepared his obituary announcement.

Krill Funeral Home, Bryan, Ohio is honored to serve the Opdycke family.