Thomas Durga

Thomas Lee Durga, 75, of Traverse City, died Tuesday, October 27, 2026. He was born in Traverse City on July 15, 1951, the son of Alvin Leroy and Gwen Marie (Baatz) Durga.

Thomas attended Traverse City High School. He then served in the ARMY, was a Vietnam veteran before returning to Traverse City.

He was a Mason by trade, working in construction. Thomas enjoyed fishing, hunting, picking blueberries, cooking, baking, and taking care of his yard. He loved his Detroit Lions and watching sports. Most of all, he loved his family.

Thomas is survived by his wife Letitia Ann (Kaltenbach) Durga; they were married on January 19, 2005; children, Thomas (Channon) Durga, Tanya (Nathan) Ghering, Daisy Masten; stepson, Justin (Mayda) Ghering; siblings, Linda (Dan) Dazell, Al (Shelly) Durga, Greg Durga, and Dan Durga; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Talisa Merchant, and sister, Peggy Cole.

A service will start at 1pm, Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the Fife Lake American Legion. A luncheon and informal sharing will continue until 4pm. Private burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, Traverse City at a later date.

Please visit Life Story Funeral Home’s website at www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.