Tom R. Overbeek

From his days as a young boy on a farm to his days as a business owner, Thomas R. Overbeek was a man invested in the value of hard work. He was dedicated to his family and friends, never hesitating to put a smile on the face of a loved one. Tom was born on December 26 in 1950, as winter snow fell in Holland, Michigan. His parents, Marvin and Hermina ((Schierbeek) Overbeek, were delighted to welcome him into the family, joining his two older brothers, Ron and Dale. Following Tom was his younger sister Kristy, completing the family. Tom's father was a hog farmer, and taught Tom at a young age the importance of hard work. Keeping up with his brothers kept him busy as well, and the family enjoyed their farm in North Holland. Many important family memories were made on the farm. Not surprisingly, Tom and his brothers got into plenty of mischief, in one case ending with Tom falling through a hay opening and hitting his head on the cement trough below. This did not please their mother, who was less than delighted to see her youngest son bleeding and badly injured. The boys found productive uses of their time as well, whether they were breaking in ponies their father had brought home, riding the horses they had already trained, or finding ways to help out in the chicken coop. The fourth of July was an important time on the farm, when family and friends would gather to celebrate with a friendly barbecue. Sadly, Marvin suffered a sudden heart attack and passed away when Tom was just ten years old. Despite this devastating circumstance, the family was able to push through. Tom's mother kept the family together, working as mother as well as farm keeper, all while holding a job at Park Davis. Tom attended West Ottawa High School, where he was a bright student. When he was 15 years old, his brother Ron bought a 55 Chevy from the junk yard for Tom, and they busied themselves fixing it up. It soon would become Toms pride and joy, and he took every opportunity to show it off. He would thereafter go to car shows at various places with his Chevy, and participated in the West Olive Classic Cruisers. He was known to drag race down Port Sheldon Road (until the cops showed up), the best time being during the Tulip Festival when the police weren't around to catch him. While "riding the circuit" -- cruising the strip of 8th Street in downtown Holland, Tom met Patricial Ludema. He instantly fell for her, and the two were soon married. They lived for three years in Hessel on St. Martin's Point in the Les Chenaux area of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They returned to West Michigan, however, to build their dream home on ten acres of land. Tom designed and built the house himself, with the help of family and friends. The couple also were delighted at the births of their three children, Seth Thomas, Levi Benjamin, and Charity Anne. It was not unlike Tom to take his tremendous work effort and apply it to everything he did, which often resulted in impressive outcomes. It was commonly understood that one coming to the home should sound their horn when approaching the house, as Toms philosophy was the fewest clothes, the better." Tom and Patricia divorced after ten years of marriage, but had many accomplishments to be proud of. Tom would later reunite with Debra Schregardus, whom he met at West Ottawa school. He reconnected with her while up in Scottville, when he bravely asked for her number. They soon were dating, and fell quickly in love. The couple were married on March 31, 1995 at the Holiday West Trailer Park in Holland. Tom was self employed through his company Woodmaster Enterprises, a sawmill where he did custom cutting. He loved to vacation in the upper peninsula, where he would take the family for camping and fishing. They also loved to attend the Wheatland Blue Grass Music Festival, enjoying good friends, music, and bonfires. During a fishing trip to Canada, the boys forgot forks so they had to make their own in the wild. Lucky for everyone, Tom was a very resourceful guy. He got a nice Elk while hunting with his brother Dale in Colorodo, following 5-6 years of applying to get points toward the chance. Christmas Eve was an important family time, and Tom loved nothing more than to spend the holidays with the people he loved. He enjoyed his Old Milwaukee Premium Beer, but preferred not to share it you had to bring your own. Tom was on the Port Sheldon Township Horseshoe League, and made many friends there. Deb and Tom loved to vacation with friends, and went to Jamaica three times. Hanging out with his brothers, family, and friends were special for him. Sadly, Tom passed away at age 59 on June 18, 2010. He leaves a legacy of kindness and compassion, delivered through his persistent hard work. Tom was a laid back guy, even-tempered, and often so happy that he was moved to tears. It was always said many times over Tom is Tom". He was loved, admired, and respected by all who knew him. He will be so deeply missed. Surviving are his wife, Debra; 2 sons, Seth Thomas Overbeek & Levi Benjamin (Araceli Munoz) Overbeek; 1 daughter, Charity Anne (Beau) Vera; step-son, Richard Wilson of Allegan; step-daughter, Shannon (Dave) Miller of Allegan; 10 grandchildren; 1 brother, Ron (Jackie) Overbeek; 1 sister, Kristi (Joe) LaGuidice; 1 sister-in-law, Kathy Overbeek; mother-in-law, Helen Schregardus, brother-in-law, Lar Schregardus and brother and sister -in-law, Eric and Sue Borgman: several nieces, nephews & many many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Stephanie & a brother, Dale. Visitation will be held Monday, 4-7 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: American Heart Association. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Services will be held Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 1:00 PM at Clock Chapel-Grand Haven with Rev. Ken Shady officiating.