"The Coughlin Family (Nicole, Kimberly, Benjamin and parents) extend our sympathies. Dr. Gebeck took wonderful and kind care of all of us!"
In loving memory of
Thomas Richard Gebeck, D.D.S., M.S.
February 1, 1940 - February 8, 2023
Dr. Thomas R. Gebeck, Sr., age 83 of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on February 8, 2023. Dr. Gebeck was born to Lawrence and Renee (nee: Stafford) on February 1, 1940, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He graduated from St. John's University in Collegeville, MN in 1960 and received his DDS from the University of Minnesota in 1964. He served his country in the U.S Navy as a Dental Officer on the USS Rockbridge from 1964-1966. Dr. Gebeck then received his Master of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Michigan in 1969. He practiced Orthodontics in Grosse Pointe for 47 years. Dr. Gebeck was married to Mary Katherine (nee: Posch) for 24 years and had four children.
Dr. Gebeck had many passions. However, his family was his greatest joy and he would do anything for them. There was nothing more loving than the look and smile he would give them in moments of pride or the pillar of support he was during times of struggle. He loved to hunt and fish with his family and friends and there was always a Labrador retriever by his side in the fields or at his home. He also loved fashion and taking shopping trips with his daughters.
Professionally, he was passionate about Orthodontics. Upon graduating from the University of Michigan Orthodontic program in 1968 he was asked unanimously by the faculty at the time to join the full-time faculty. He then began his lifelong journey as an educator and orthodontic practitioner. He felt that his greatest responsibility was to provide the best treatment result for each patient, and he never compromised. He was very proud of the smiles that left his office and loved running in to his patients years later. He would laugh and say, "let me see your teeth"!
Dr. Gebeck was also a member of the Charles H. Tweed foundation for Orthodontic Research. He enjoyed being a member of the teaching staff since 1973, teaching courses to students from around the world. One of his most precious honors was serving as President of Tweed Foundation from 1996-1998. The friendships he made through his teaching were one of the greatest gifts of his life and he cherished these friends to the end. He spread his passion and excitement for orthodontics, lecturing both nationally and internationally in France, Monaco, Italy, Romania, Guatemala, Brazil, Korea and Japan. He was also president of the Michigan Society of Orthodontics and the Eastern component of the Detroit District Dental Society. He was a Michigan Specialty Board examiner and an Italian Board of Orthodontics examiner.
His legacy will live on through the smiles, and beautiful faces of his patients. His family will remember him with each travel adventure, every line cast into the water, and each sunset in Siesta Key.
Dr. Gebeck is survived by his son, Thomas (Deanna) and daughters Katie (David) Jordan, Betsy Gebeck-Fooks, and Susie (Mark) Berglund in addition to his beloved grandchildren: Katherine Gebeck, Thomas Gebeck, Julia Gebeck, Jack Jordan, Mary Jordan, William Jordan, Ellie Fooks, Amelia Fooks, Maxwell Berglund, Louis Berglund, and Sally Sue Berglund. Thomas is the dear brother of Gretchen (Dean) and Lawrence "Kip" (Georgia) Gebeck and many loving nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Dr. Gebeck will take place on Thursday, February 23 from 4 pm to 8 pm with a 7 pm Rosary at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 16300 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Park. A funeral Mass will take place on Friday, February 24 with a 9:30am instate and 10am Mass at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms. A livestream of the Funeral Mass can be viewed from https://youtube.com/live/Ck00DLd27mk?feature=share
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Charles H. Tweed Foundation for Orthodontic Research, 2620 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, Arizona 85716 or online at www.tweedortho.com/ or the Orthodontic Fund for Excellence at the University of Michigan online at www.leadersandbest.umich.edu/find/#!/give/basket/fund/361142. Both groups support the future of Orthodontics which was his lifelong passion.
Tributes
"Dear Tom and Family, Sincere condolences on the passing of your Dear Dad. I was so happy to spend time with him at The Old Club several years ago. Will always remember his great smile and great sense of humor. Thoughts are prayers are with you. Fondly, Gloria Moore?? "
"I thank Dr Gebeck for my braces and retainer helping my teeth for several years. He will truly be missed. "
"My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Prof. Gebeck's family for their loss. May his memory give them peace and comfort. Tom was a great orthodontist, a top instructor, a special person and a great friend, who will never be forgotten. A big hug to you all Letizia Perillo"
"I'm so sad because my friend Tom leave us, he was a gentle man and a distinguished clinician. With him I shared several teaching experiences in the Tweed courses in Vigevano(Italy) and Tucson(Arizona) where I was able to appreciate his culture and humanity. A heartfelt hug to the family, and my deepest condolences Pierluigi Delogu Sardinia, Italy"
"I did not have the priviledge of getting to know him better. I of course, admired his career and contribution to the Orthdontic World and especially to our beloved Tweed Foundation. His arfticle with Dr. Merrifield outlast their life! I am ready to play with Tom Jr. whom I had not had the honor of introducing myself to, but in whom, as a son of a Pillar of Orthodontics is at bat. We are counting on him to bring young american orhtodontics who step to the plate and contribute with their talent and needed Americanism in our foundation. Respectfully yours, Marcelo Gömez Palacio Durango, México. "
"RIP Tom- Thank you for being a part of many family activities with us. Our memories are filled with wonderful times together. We offer our thoughts and prayers to your family at this time, Peace and blessings to all. The O?Keefe family. "