Thomas Ripple's Obituary
Mr. Thomas Ripple, age 59, of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on October 24, 2020, at home. He was born March 9, 1961, in Detroit, to William and Elizabeth (Olsen) Ripple. Tom was a 1979 graduate of Grand Haven High School.
Before moving to Chicago for a job with Barclay Marine, Tom attended Muskegon Community College and St. Patrick’s Church. He was later transferred to Grand Rapids and continued working for Barclay for many years. He was presently employed at TerryTown R.V.
He was an avid reader, hunter, and fisherman. He also enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears and Bulls, as well as preparing delicious meals for himself and others to enjoy.
Tom is survived by three children: Janicé Dicks, Michael Ripple and Bre'El Phillips-Ripple; grandsons: Sterling and Sincere; his mother, Elizabeth (Betsy) Ripple; brothers: Mike (Lina), Dan, Tony (Tami), Bob, and John Ripple; nieces and nephews: Michelle (Kevin), Chris (fiancée Taylor), Desiré, Elizabeth, William, and Hannah; and great niece, Mia, along with special friends: Rachelle & Jerome James, James Decker, James VanOordt, Vince VanOordt, and Gale Esseny. Tom was preceded in death by his father, William (Bill) Ripple.
The center of his life was his children and grandchildren. He was a loving and devoted father and grandfather, encouraging them all to appreciate nature and all of the great outdoors. His best friends were his brothers; he spent much time in the woods and on the water with them.
A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 AM Friday, November 6, 2020 at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Charles Schwartz officiating. Visitation will be held 6-8 PM Thursday, November 5, 2020 at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417 and one hour prior to the service at church. COVID 19 restrictions and masks will be required for all services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Tom may be given to Sportsmen For Youth or The Mary Free Bed Foundation. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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