Tom Pyret

A bright light and a vivacious presence in the lives of all close to him, Tom Pyret truly made the most of every single day he was given. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. Through all the ups and downs of life, Tom always held his loved ones close. His solid work ethic served him well, and he never backed down from the challenges that came his way. Although he was taken far too soon, Tom will be forever loved by those who knew him best.

The 1940s were a tumultuous time for the United States and the rest of the globe as WWII raged on. Many brave servicemen were called away from home, and those who remained stateside faced strict rationing and did what they could to support the war effort. During these uncertain years, however, there was a ray of light in the lives of Edward and Dorothy (Black) Pyret of Lansing, Michigan, as they awaited the arrival of their second child. Their son, Tom, made his entrance into the world on November 1, 1944, and was lovingly welcomed by his family.

Growing up, Tom was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in Lansing alongside his three siblings, Ed, Deon, and David. Tom’s father, Edward, supported the Pyret family by working as a photographer and for AO Smith while his mother, Dorothy, cared for the children and held down the fort at home. As a teenager, Tom became a local hero when he witnessed a car plunging into the Grand River. He was able to jump in and save them, and though he was featured in the newspaper and celebrated for his brave actions, he remained humble and grateful that he was able to help. Tom attended local schools and graduated from Everett High School. He then went on to pursue further education at community college and later Michigan State University, receiving his degree in packaging engineering.

Over the years, Tom would put his wealth of knowledge and skills to good use at Upjohn. He began working there in 1974, and throughout the next 26 years of his career, he handled a variety of projects, from dealing with safety caps to packaging pills. Tom took great pride in his job, and he liked working for Upjohn. He retired from the company in 2000. Tom wasn’t ready to leave the career field behind just yet, so he spent many years working as a patient sitter for Bronson. His empathy and dedication to caring for those around him made him a natural fit for the job.

Of all the things Tom loved in life, he treasured his family and friends above all else. He was forever changed for the better when he met the amazing woman who captured his heart, Mona. The two went to a Western Michigan University football game for their memorable first date, and there was an instant connection between them. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Tom and Mona were married by Fr. Fitzgerald at St. Joseph Catholic Church on March 3, 1978. With their union, Tom’s family grew to include Mona’s daughter, Lissa. He embraced his role as a father, and he taught her many important life lessons, including how to be kind to everyone and how to be frugal with money. The Pyrets’ enjoyed vacations around the United States each summer.

Later in life, Tom was overjoyed to become a grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and doted on Nicholas, Benjamin, Matthew, Christopher, and Gabriel whenever he could. Tom was their biggest supporter, and he never missed a game, special event, or Grandparents’ Day at school. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. More recently, Tom even became a great-grandfather to Vincent. His family was his priority, and he always considered himself blessed to watch his family blossom to include so many loved ones.

Tom was never one to sit still for long, and he pursued many hobbies and interests to stay busy in his free time. He always took great care of his lawn and his house. Tom loved to travel and got to visit many beautiful locations over the years, including Europe, Central and South America, and many national parks. He was a fan of Michigan State sports. Tom was an avid golfer and got to play many rounds on Milham Golf Course and all-over West Michigan. Attending the US Open in Chicago was one of his fondest memories. Tom’s favorite foods were pizza and Lissa’s homemade lasagna, and he liked drinking beer, especially Oberon. In 1999, Tom became Catholic and threw himself into the faith. He was known to be very practical, loyal, and hardworking.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Tom Pyret, it is easy to see both his unwavering determination and his unconditional love for his family. He opened his arms to anyone and everyone, and he was a shining example of kindness and generosity. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Tom was happiest when surrounded by his many loved ones. His insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those around him. Though he will be deeply missed, Tom leaves behind a priceless collection of memories for his friends and family to hold near and dear to their hearts.

Tom Pyret died at his home on Sunday, April 6, 2025

Members of his family include his wife, Mona; Daughter, Lissa and her husband Jeff James: 5 grandchildren: Nicholas, Benjamin, Matthew, Christopher, Gabriel; Siblings: Ed (Sharon) Pyret, David Pyret; and: 1 great grandson, Vincent. He was preceded in death by his Parents, a sister, Deon Janz; and sister-in-law Pam Pyret.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks and stories will be shared on Wednesday, April 9 from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A prayer service and time of sharing will be held at 7 pm. Mass will be held Thursday, April 10 at 11:00 am at St. Monica Church, 530 West Kilgore Road, where a reception will follow. Celebrate Tom’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to St. Monica Catholic Church or to the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan.