Thomas, Sherrie and Jay Wacha: Helping Others

Tom, Sherrie (Shade) and Jay Wacha have been selected as the 2024 Grand Marshals of the Sunfield Farmers Picnic. Tom & Sherrie were both born in Ionia and grew up in Lake Odessa. Both started kindergarten together, and they were Lakewood High School Sweethearts, Class of 1963. They married June 20, 1964 and have two children, Jane and Jay. They celebrated 60 years together this year.

Tom and Sherrie and family moved to Sunfield in 1973, making it their new home. Tom worked at Oldsmobile for 31 years. Sherrie had daycare at their home for 20 years. After retirement they volunteered for D.H.S. (Eaton County) for 14 ½ years. Transporting clients all over Michigan; even delivering food stamps in Eaton County. During Tom’s employment at Oldsmobile, he became Village of Sunfield Treasurer; retiring after 44 years this year. Tom enjoyed working with the seven mayors and many council members through the years.

Jay has spent many years with the Sunfield Farmers Picnic. First he was a gate guard allowing individuals with handicapped parking permits through the gates either on Second Street and Logan or at Park Street and Third Street. Jay has been a volunteer board member since 2019 to present and currently works for Peckham.

They are both members of the Sunfield United Brethren Church. At one time, Tom was Sunday School Treasurer, Sherrie was Sunday School Superintendent. They still do visitations to shut-ins and hospitals for the church Tom was with the Habitat for Humanity for 10 years as Treasurer, Building two houses in Sunfield and two houses in Lake Odessa. He was also on the board for Manna’s Market for two years. Tom is now Treasurer of “Friends of the Library in Sunfield; Sherrie also is on the Library Board and Friends of the Library.

The Sunfield logo was created by Sherrie when Jack Smith was supervisor; earning a $50 savings bond at that time. Sherrie was a member of the Lakewood Area Choral Society for 35 years, retiring in 2020. Tom and Sherrie enjoyed many concerts and traveling with the choral state side and to European countries. So many wonderful memories.

Sherrie sends a note of encouragement to shut-ins every month. This is her mission. They still are transporting friends to the hospital and doctor appointments.

Tom and Sherrie don’t want to toot their own horn. They give credit to our Lord and Savior – He is our rock!

Courtesy photo.

Editors Note: The original posting of this piece indicated that Tom and Sherrie Wacha moved to Sunfield 1963, not 1973. This was corrected on 8/1/24.