The following obituary from The Elkhart Truth is for Thomas Lee Graber, founder of Tuscany Motor Company.
Thomas L. Graber, 81, of Elkhart, Indiana, left this earth peacefully on Dec. 17 to be with Jesus his Lord and Savior.
A native of Eureka, Illinois, he was born on July 29, 1943, to his parents, Chris and Alta Graber. At Eureka High School, he met Fran Stoller, with whom he celebrated 61 anniversaries following their marriage on July 27, 1963.
Survivors include his loving wife, Fran; and his children, Krista (Mike) Blankinship, Jill (Craig) Salsberry and Mike (Lisa) Graber.
Tom and Fran were blessed with eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Their grandchildren are Devin (Emma) Blankinship, Derek (Tara) Blankinship, Mackenzie (Dan Schwartz) Salsberry, Austin (Laura) Salsberry, Tanner Salsberry, Gracen Salsberry, Conner (Lexie) Graber and Cameron Graber.
Tom is also survived by his siblings: Paul (Nancy) Graber, Rachel Casper, Christine Troyer and Jeff(Michele) Graber.
Tom led a big, full life and everyone who knew him was better for it. He loved being with his family and was proud of every one of them. He cherished worshiping and being involved at his church, First Baptist Church of Elkhart. He had a deep appreciation for gospel music and sang in his own quartet, Solid Rock Quartet, and was known for his powerful, bass voice. Tom had a passion for helping and serving others, a role he filled with ease and joy. On many Sundays, he would put an extra-large roast in the oven, anticipating the opportunity to invite a family or even a stranger he had just met to share a warm meal and conversation after church.
Tom made a significant impact on his community, serving and volunteering with Faith Mission of Elkhart for over 30 years. In addition to his impact and leadership while serving on the Board of Directors he laid a foundation for “Graber House,” a transitional housing complex for families in need. In 2020, Tom was instrumental in developing, designing and raising funds for Faith Mission’s “Tiny Houses” and “Tiny Structures.” During this three-year development, Tom led and often worked on the project five to six days a week pouring time and energy into both the construction and the lives of the people it served, sharing meals and fellowship with the homeless and volunteers.
Tom also enjoyed volunteering as a “Red Coat” at Elkhart General Hospital where his friendly and compassionate demeanor was a source of comfort to many. As the current president of his neighborhood’s HOA, Tom worked hard for his fellow neighbors and friends. Tom was also involved in the Elkhart Lions Club. He had a lifelong love for the boxer breed of dogs and loved to start his day by taking his most recent boxer, Piper, to the dog park, which also gave Tom the opportunity to meet new friends. Something fun for Tom was his development of “Tuscany Tom’s Popcorn.” Everyone loved Tuscany Tom’s Popcorn, and they could not figure out why it was so different and good until he shared his secret recipe – adding extra butter. Tom’s favorite part of this venture was giving 100% of its profits to charity.
Earlier in Tom’s professional life, Tom had various sales and management roles, until he founded Tuscany Motor Company in 1988. Tuscany became the leading manufacturer of van conversions, mobility vans, shuttle vans and truck conversions. While Tom’s business was built on great products, he attributed its success to the incredible people and culture he fostered. His legacy at Tuscany continues today.
Tom’s family would like to thank the incredible medical team at Elkhart General Hospital who provided excellent care and compassion for Tom and his family during his illness this past week.
Visitation will be at First Baptist Church of Elkhart, 53953 C.R. 17, Bristol, Indiana, on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., with services beginning at 4:30 p.m. A private family burial at Olive Cemetery will occur on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family requests that any gifts or donations be directed to Faith Mission of Michiana, an organization he passionately supported. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514, has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at stemmlawsonpeterson.com.
