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Tom Deem

August 27, 1939 - August 4, 2022
Portage, MI

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Visitation

Monday, August 15, 2022
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EDT
St. Ambrose Catholic Church
1628 East G Ave
Parchment, MI 49004
Web Site

Mass of Christian Burial

Monday, August 15, 2022
11:00 AM EDT
St. Ambrose Catholic Church
1628 East G Ave
Parchment, MI 49004
Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Loaves and Fishes
901 Portage Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Web Site

Ministry with Community
500 N Edwards
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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As his family and friends can certainly attest, Thomas Deem was truly a man who understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength for those around him, and he tirelessly worked to build others up and encourage those he loved. A proud husband, father, and grandfather, Tom was always happiest when he was in the presence of family and close friends. As an active member of his community, he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Deeply loved, Tom will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

Although the 1930s were some of the most trying days our nation has faced due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression, there was great anticipation in the lives of Clair and Margaret (Gren -Poole) Deem as they were expecting their new baby any day as the summer was drawing to a close in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Finally their wait was over on August 27th when the baby boy they named Thomas drew his first breath.

Growing up, Tom was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home alongside his sister, Margaret. Both of Tom’s parents balanced the responsibilities of a family with their careers. His father was a commercial real estate agent, and his mother worked in the credit department at the hospital, then later at Gibson Guitar. Throughout his childhood, Tom was able to form the foundation of his solid work ethic that would serve him well for his entire life. He attended local schools while pursuing his education, including St. Augustine where he stayed active by playing football. Tom went on to graduate in 1958, ready to move on to bigger and better things.

It wasn’t long before Tom began feeling the pull to serve his country. He joined the Marine Reserves while in high school and then served full time in the Marines. He later joined the Army Reserves and became a part of the Civil Affairs Unit #415. Tom would go on to build a long and fulfilling career in the military. In his later years, he served in Operation Desert Storm. Tom was always proud to serve his country, and he was able to accumulate valuable knowledge and skills that would be useful to him even outside of his service.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Tom when he met the young woman who would quickly become the love of his life. While he was home on leave from the Marines, he went to the student center at Western Michigan University. It was here that Tom first met Judy Cornwell. He was able to bring joy into her life, and she admired his devotion to his country and his loved ones. The two soon began writing to each other, and over time, their relationship continued to blossom into something truly wonderful. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Tom and Judy were married in the presence of family and friends on February 2, 1963. Throughout their years together, they would always joke about how easy it was to remember their anniversary as it landed on Groundhog Day.

All who knew Tom can surely agree that, of all the things he loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He and Judy were overjoyed to welcome their beloved daughter, Jeanne, into their hearts and home. Tom was very dedicated to his family, and he did his best to instill in his daughter the values of discipline and courage that were so very important to him. He was never afraid to work hard, and in order to provide for his wife and daughter he worked in skilled trades. Tom worked for General Motors, putting in 25 years at their Comstock facility. He would work mainly second shift, and this job gave him the resources he needed to provide for his family. Later in life, Tom was thrilled to become a grandfather to Benjamin and Rosella. He adored his grandchildren and always considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Tom pursued many hobbies in his free time. His faith was the unshakeable foundation of his life, and he was an active member of St. Monica Catholic Church for several years. Tom served as a lector and Eucharistic minister, and he took communion to two different facilities. He was also active in the Knights of Columbus at St. Monica and St. Mary Parishes. Tom was forever willing to lend a helping hand when he could. He was an avid Notre Dame fan and was very involved in the local Notre Dame Club, where he served on their board for a time. Tom loved golf and never let bad weather stop him from playing. He was always working to improve his game. Tom played many courses in the area, but he usually liked to go to Eastern Hills, where he played in the senior league. He wasn’t a picky eater and was always willing to try something new, and he was known to enjoy a good John Wayne movie.

When reflecting on the life of Thomas Deem, it is easy to see his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He poured his heart and soul into everything that he did, and he was never afraid to stand up for what he believed in. Nothing brought Tom greater joy than spending time with his loved ones. He was known for his sharp sense of humor, and he truly enjoyed interacting with people in his community. Though he will be dearly missed, Tom leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Thomas Deem, a longtime resident of Portage, died on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Members of his family include his wife, Judy; daughter: Jeanne (Mark) Friedman, 2 grandchildren: Benjamin Thomas Friedman and Rosella Claire Friedman. He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Koster. Cremation has taken place. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Monday, August 15th at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visit Tom’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Loaves and Fishes or Ministry with Community. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.

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