Thomas E. VanMunster's Obituary
Mr. Thomas E. VanMunster, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at his home. He was born on October 14, 1951 to Donald VanMunster and Donna (Durham) McMiller. A lifelong resident of the area, Tom married the former Deborah Austin on June 15, 1973 in Muskegon and she survives him. Tom worked at Mid-West Spring & Stamping as a product engineer and retired in June of 2018. He and Deb were longtime members of Calvary Church and were Youth Leaders while raising their children. Tom enjoyed spending his time camping around Michigan and racing cars when he was younger. “Talking Tom,” as his family called him, could pick up and hold a conversation with any stranger and often had to be tracked down while he was chatting away. Tom loved playing baseball in his early years and slow-pitch softball until he could no longer play. Even after Tom could no longer play, he loved cheering on his kids and grandkids, and was their biggest and proudest fan. Being around his children and grandchildren meant everything to Tom and he cherished the time spent with them. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 47 years, Deb; children, Sarah (Curtis Jr) Schaeffer, Stacie (Jeff) Paggeot and Jeff (Jen) VanMunster; grandchildren, Ethan and Alison Schaeffer, Nathan, Katelyn, Hayden and Clayton Paggeot, and Mollie Pulsipher and Ella VanMunster; father, Don VanMunster; sister, Sandra (Mark) Scott; brothers-in-law, Doug (Patti) Austin, Dennis (Mary) Austin, Greg (Sarah) Austin, Gordon Austin and Steve (Sheila) Austin; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Donna and Clarence McMiller; and step-mother, Donna VanMunster. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Calvary Church (213 W. Oak St., Fruitport, 49415), with Pastor Keith Sandison officiating. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service, from 10-11AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Calvary Church. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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