Thomas Lee DeWaal's Obituary
Thomas Lee DeWaal, age 74, son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Grand Rapids, following a year long battle with pancreatic cancer. Tom was born June 1, 1949, to Herbert and Gladys (Newald) DeWaal in Muskegon and was a lifelong resident. He was a tool and die machinist for over 40 years, retiring from IGM. Tom was a U.S. Army veteran, he loved gardening and taking care of his yard. He was handy at almost everything, building, house remodels, he could fix anything. He was also an avid reader (especially history), and enjoyed camping, traveling, and bicycling. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Cheryl (Raymond); three children, Daniel DeWaal, Michael (Christine) DeWaal, and Karen Pawlak; four grandchildren, Trevor DeWaal, Kylie DeWaal, Jake Pawlak, and Varenna DeWaal; sisters, Sandy (Bob) Matz and Marilyn (Jim) Bonner; and special lifelong friend Dave Hoffman. The family is planning a celebration of Tom’s life later this summer. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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