Thomas Wiersema

Thomas Wiersema was a man cut from a different cloth, in a different era, a hardworking, loyal and dedicated man. He was a member of our Greatest Generation, a proud veteran with an iron will, a green thumb, and a heart of gold. Thomas was a dedicated farmer, father, grandfather and friend, a good man and a better example. Thomass story began on a warm fall day in 1921, as the leaves began to turn color in the shoreline city of Muskegon, Michigan. Those were times of change in this country, as newly-elected President Warren Harding promised the American people a return to normalcy, following World War I and the start of the Prohibition era. On September 25, 1921, Nonnie and Hilda (Medema) Wiersema had a change of their own, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Thomas. Thomas was the middle of the couples five children, joining his big brother Edward and big sister Trena, and little sisters Rena and Marian on the family farm. His parents were hardworking people, immigrants from the Netherlands, who came to this country in search of a better life. The family farm was a true team effort, and Thomas and his siblings all did their fair share growing up. They grew whatever they could right there on the farm, and Thomas would often go into Muskegon to peddle eggs and produce door-to-door. Thomas attended Sunnyside School when he was a boy, which was conveniently located right across the road from his house. He earned his eighth grade diploma, before leaving school to help on the farm full-time, as was so common in those days. He wasnt all work and no play, however. Thomas loved to play baseball as a boy, and became quite an accomplished catcher. Hed even walk for miles away to play other teams, and then walk back home. He became a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, cheering for the team through the good times and bad. He especially loved the atmosphere and experience of going to games at Tiger Stadium, which was always such a treat. When Thomas was a young man, his country called him to serve, during the dark days of World War II. Thomas proudly answered that call, and served in the U.S. Army during the war. When the war ended and he was discharged, Thomas returned to Muskegon, ready to begin the next chapter in his life. Thomas went back to work on the family farm and fields, and also worked for a short time at Brunswick. One day he learned that Continental Motors was hiring veterans, and Thomas jumped at the chance to work for a good company like Continental. He loved working there, and would remain there the rest of his career. Thomass professional life now in place, his personal life began to bloom, as well. One day he was introduced to a family friend named Shirley Lewis, and the two began dating. It wasnt long before Thomas and Shirley were married, and the couple welcomed their only child on February 12, 1963, a son they named Thomas Jerry Wiersema. Thomas and Shirleys views on life were very different, however, and the couple divorced just two years later, in 1965. Thomas was determined to be involved and active in his sons life, though, and was a wonderful example to the boy. Because Thomas worked very hard, he didnt see his son as often as he would have liked when Tom was growing up, but his influence made a big impact on the man Tom became. Thomas was a tireless worker, and his ethic and skill set helped him rise through the ranks at Continental Motors. He eventually became an important member of the production control and a shop steward, too. Thomas eventually retired from Continental in 1984, after 36 years of dedicated service to the company. Thomas never worked 9-5, and when his day was done at Continental, it was just beginning back home on the farm. He ran the family farm with his brother Edward for a few years, but eventually Edward went off and ran a farm of his own. Thomas had farming in his blood, and would never really retire from farming. He was very good at math and calculating conversion, which helped him at work and on the farm. Thomas was a great businessman, and ran the very last dairy farm in all of Dalton Township. Even after the dairy portion of his farm ended in 1985, he continued to raise cattle, corn, and hay. He loved farming too much to ever give it up, and enjoyed going to farm auctions with his good friend, Dick Robbins. As the years went by, Thomas and his son became closer, and enjoyed going fishing together so many times over the years. They loved fishing for bluegill and perch on Clear Lake, which was located close to their home. Thomas was also a 25-year member of the Holton American Legion, where he made many good friends, and especially enjoyed the perch dinners they served. He was a true meat-and-potatoes man, and it wasnt considered a meal to him if it was missing those two ingredients. Thats the way Thomas was, though: a down to earth, hardworking, strong-willed man. He could be funny, with a great sense of humor hidden behind his poker face, and he was respected by everyone who knew him, as well. Eventually, the years progressed, and Thomass health began to decline. He went to stay with his son during his last days, until he needed even further care. Sadly, Thomas died on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, during an ambulance ride to a hospice facility. He was 86. Thomas was a man cut from a different cloth, in a different era, a tough man with an iron will, a green thumb, and a heart of gold. He was a proud veteran, and a dedicated farmer, father, grandfather and friend, and an example to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. Thomas is survived by his son, Thomas J. Wiersema of Twin Lake; grandson, Thomas E. Wiersema; sisters, Trena (Steve) Kratovil of Muskegon, Marian (Stan) Frederick of Muskegon; several nieces & nephews. Mr. Wiersema was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Wiersema and sister Rena Schultz. Services are scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2008, 1:00 PM, at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon. Interment at East Dalton Oakhill Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial donations may be made to the Holton American Legion. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign the online guest book.