Timothy J. “Tim” Foley
September 11th, 1958 - April 21st, 2024
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Tim's Obituary
Timothy J. Foley, or “Breadman” as many knew him, passed away suddenly on April 21, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona - a special place to him, his wife, and kids.
Tim was born on September 11, 1958, in Duluth, Minnesota. He was one of 6 children being the only boy. He was a graduate of Duluth Cathedral High School. Tim was full of life, passion, and had an infectious laugh that you could hear across any room. He touched people throughout his life in both his personal and professional endeavors.
Tim’s culinary accolades started long before he planted his roots in Michigan. He spent time in the kitchens of Calhoun Beach Club (MN), Burntside Lodge Boundary Waters (MN), The Breakers (FL), Ambria in Chicago, and also spent 3 years cooking in the Sinai Desert. He continued to hone his skill at the California Culinary Academy where he met his beautiful Italian wife, Pat. Together, they spent 35 years building a legacy at Bit of Swiss Pastry Shoppe, bringing artisan bread to Southwest Michigan. In 2013, Tim opened Bread+Bar in Benton Harbor, fulfilling his dream of owning and operating a restaurant with his family. While owning both businesses, he always shared his knowledge; both guiding and mentoring many employees and staff who he considered family. He was a member of the Team USA Coupe De Monde de la Boulangerie, winning and later coaching the United States team to victory. He was honored to be inducted into Academie Culinaire de France and Maitres Cuisiniers de France. With so many awards, his real talent was his day to day, positive and humorous interactions with anyone, instantly making them feel important.
Raising his children, Matthew and Lauren, was his ultimate pride and joy. Tim loved cooking and entertaining for his family, friends, customers…and, honestly, anyone. He loved traveling the world with his wife and family, visiting his Minnesota family and friends while cheering on the Vikings, playing golf with his buddies, reading, listening to the Rolling Stones, and making sure his next meal was always planned. His ability to make us laugh will never be forgotten. SKOL!
He is survived by wife Pat Foley, son Matthew (Kaylee) Foley, daughter Lauren Foley, sisters Joan Foley (Per Jarnberg), Paula (Dave) Hanson, Charlene Foley-Schwartz (Tony Schwartz) & Jean (Jim) Anich, and brother-in-law Rudi Kurancik; father & mother-in-law Sam & Connie Monte; brother-in-law Tony (Jackie) Monte, and John (Leah) Monte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents John & Ruth Foley and sister Patricia Kurancik.
Memorial contributions may be made in Tim’s name to: Jacques Pepin Culinary Foundation, P.O. Box #28, Barrington, RI 02806, First Tee-Benton Harbor, 201 Graham Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022, and Berrien Community Foundation for the Kaleidoscope Playground at Kiwanis Park, 2900 S. State St., Ste 2E, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, May 1st at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church Street, St. Joseph, with Father John Fleckenstein officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, April 30, from 3PM until 6:30PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A time of sharing will be held at 6:30pm. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
Tim was born on September 11, 1958, in Duluth, Minnesota. He was one of 6 children being the only boy. He was a graduate of Duluth Cathedral High School. Tim was full of life, passion, and had an infectious laugh that you could hear across any room. He touched people throughout his life in both his personal and professional endeavors.
Tim’s culinary accolades started long before he planted his roots in Michigan. He spent time in the kitchens of Calhoun Beach Club (MN), Burntside Lodge Boundary Waters (MN), The Breakers (FL), Ambria in Chicago, and also spent 3 years cooking in the Sinai Desert. He continued to hone his skill at the California Culinary Academy where he met his beautiful Italian wife, Pat. Together, they spent 35 years building a legacy at Bit of Swiss Pastry Shoppe, bringing artisan bread to Southwest Michigan. In 2013, Tim opened Bread+Bar in Benton Harbor, fulfilling his dream of owning and operating a restaurant with his family. While owning both businesses, he always shared his knowledge; both guiding and mentoring many employees and staff who he considered family. He was a member of the Team USA Coupe De Monde de la Boulangerie, winning and later coaching the United States team to victory. He was honored to be inducted into Academie Culinaire de France and Maitres Cuisiniers de France. With so many awards, his real talent was his day to day, positive and humorous interactions with anyone, instantly making them feel important.
Raising his children, Matthew and Lauren, was his ultimate pride and joy. Tim loved cooking and entertaining for his family, friends, customers…and, honestly, anyone. He loved traveling the world with his wife and family, visiting his Minnesota family and friends while cheering on the Vikings, playing golf with his buddies, reading, listening to the Rolling Stones, and making sure his next meal was always planned. His ability to make us laugh will never be forgotten. SKOL!
He is survived by wife Pat Foley, son Matthew (Kaylee) Foley, daughter Lauren Foley, sisters Joan Foley (Per Jarnberg), Paula (Dave) Hanson, Charlene Foley-Schwartz (Tony Schwartz) & Jean (Jim) Anich, and brother-in-law Rudi Kurancik; father & mother-in-law Sam & Connie Monte; brother-in-law Tony (Jackie) Monte, and John (Leah) Monte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents John & Ruth Foley and sister Patricia Kurancik.
Memorial contributions may be made in Tim’s name to: Jacques Pepin Culinary Foundation, P.O. Box #28, Barrington, RI 02806, First Tee-Benton Harbor, 201 Graham Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022, and Berrien Community Foundation for the Kaleidoscope Playground at Kiwanis Park, 2900 S. State St., Ste 2E, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, May 1st at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church Street, St. Joseph, with Father John Fleckenstein officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, April 30, from 3PM until 6:30PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A time of sharing will be held at 6:30pm. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
Memorial Contributions
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.
Additional Visitation Information
A time of sharing will be held at 6:30 P.M.