Timothy J. “Tim” Foley

September 11th, 1958 - April 21st, 2024

Timothy 's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Timothy here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

I had the great pleasure of knowing Tim and spending night in the woods with him during Cubscout camping trips. Thanks to him the camping food was exceptional. We laughed a lot about Tony trying to get out of his tent in the early hours, the boys doing boy things, life, business, wives, raising kids, our friends and our faith. I’m certain they are feasting in heaven today and I look forward to eating around the campfire with him again someday. Love, the Smiths.

Marty/JoAnne Smith and family

May 2nd, 2024 at 12:52pm

We will never forget when Tim came over to our home to deliver a baby shower gift from him and Pat for our first baby. As he handed us the gift and we thanked him, he said “ You will have fun!” I said really? As I was 7 months pregnant. Tim said, “Oh yeah” with the laugh he gave. He was right! ( and he clearly knew what he was talking about, because Tim loved his family. ) We want to add,..Tim also loved our community well . He’s already missed.❤️

Craig and Cherie Okonski

April 30th, 2024 at 11:05pm

I had the pleasure of working for Tim and Pat at Bit of Swiss many years ago, Tim always made his employees feel special whether they were a baker or just working the counter. Even years after when I would go into Bit of Swiss he would always greet me with a big smile and a hug. My deepest sympathies go out to Pat and the children at this time of loss. he touched so many lives with his joy and love for baking. he will be truly truly missed.

Jan Smith

April 30th, 2024 at 8:22am

I always enjoyed speaking with Tim on those occasions when I wanted to send Stollen to various friends even though Tim had retired, he continued to take my order and process it. Tim was most talented and on two occasions he and I traveled to Traverse City to meet with the area restaurants owners, and he got a standing ovation when I introduced Tim to some 45 people. On the next day we went to meet with Fred Laughlin who was the Director of the Culinary School at Northwestern Michigan College. We spent several hours with Tim talking to the many students who knew that he was a Giant in the Bread Industry. Tim was so cordial and encouraging those students to continue their journey working in the restaurant industry. Tim was known throughout the world. He was awarded the Coupe Du Monda Bouliangerie International Contest for Artisan Baking Competition on two occasions. Tim will always be remembered by the many loved ones he encountered throughout the world and especially by Judy and I with the loss of one so dear. Love, Jim and Judy

Jim DeLapa

April 29th, 2024 at 10:47am

I'm so sorry for the sudden loss of your husband and father. I also lost my father suddenly when he was a young age. The shock of that loss reverberates for many years afterward. But Tim leaves a forever legacy in his accomplishments and by his character. He was always personable and seemed genuinely interested in one's daily life. My grandson from Minnesota grew up playing hockey and Tim always inquired how he was doing. We had to take my grandson to Duluth for a game and Tim made a point to recommend a pizza restaurant in Duluth owned by a friend. We did stop and eat there that time. But the story I remember most that showed Tim's generosity of spirit and curiosity of life I witnessed while working behind the counter at Bit of Swiss Bakery. I waited on a customer who told me she was back to visit the area and just had to come to the bakery. While living here she had approached Tim as the owner about a wish she had on her bucket list - to spend a night in a working bakery. Tim invited her and arranged a certain night . He had a chair and an apron waiting for her . The said she'd never forget that night watching bread and pastries being made.

Diane Nye

April 28th, 2024 at 2:52pm

Tim and I grew up together in Duluth, Minnesota. We met in grade school and were life-long friends. His nickname for those of us who came of age together with him was "Fols." Tim had a great sense of humor and a distinctive laugh. He was fun to be around and one of the finest human beings I've had the pleasure to know. I visited Tim and Pat in Stevensville on a couple of occasions and witnessed the abiding love he had for his family and the graciousness he bestowed upon patrons and those who worked with him at the bakery and restaurant. Tim was generous and thoughtful. He sent me a delicious Stollen loaf (German holiday fruit bread) every Christmas. The world is a better place for having Tim in it. I won't be able to attend the funeral next week, but I will be there in spirit and Tim and his family are and will be in my prayers. Love and condolences to Pat , Matthew, Lauren, and Tim's many friends. May he rest in peace with our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Steven Paul Befera

April 27th, 2024 at 5:41am

BREADMAN …we had so many good times through the decades…..from sharing a good find at a restaurant equipment auction or complaining about the price of flour, or payroll costs….to weathering the storm through covid……we always ended it by laughing and joking and talking about what our kids were up to now!!! We will all miss your presence dearly….but wish you well on your new journey. BIG love to Pat, Matt, and Lauren…..were here for them always…..Love, Anne and the rest of the staff from Caffe Tosi

Anne Reitz

April 26th, 2024 at 8:20pm

My name in John Newman. I came to this area in 2015 and the first restaurant my wife, Birgit Erickson took me to was Bread Bar and was introduced to Tim at that time. I vividly remember how he welcomed me to the area. When we got married, Tim made an extremely beautiful and delicious cake for our reception. Classic. As time went on, Tim and I had a mutual love of good bourbon, especially Blantons and it was my pleasure to bring him a few cases form a friend of mine in Ky as Blantons was not available in Michighan. We always enjoyed seeing and visiting with him at the restaurant. Although, we didn’t interact outside the restaurant, I can honestly say, with tears in my eyes, that he meant a lot us and I was extremely proud to have know such a great man and friend. May he rest in peace!!