Thomas John Osterman

Thomas John Osterman, age 74 of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 surrounded by family in his Grand Haven, Michigan home after a two-year battle with cancer.  He was born on January 18, 1947 in Phoenix, AZ to the late Gerald and Marguerite (Vander Weele) Osterman.

Shortly after his birth, Tom and his family returned to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Tom graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, and then earned a degree in mechanical engineering at Western Michigan University. He always loved his work, and found joy working in industries ranging from mining equipment at Bucyrus-Erie in Wisconsin to office furniture at Haworth in Michigan.

Thomas was a long-time, active member of First Christian Reformed Church in Grand Haven. In his free time, Tom loved woodworking, gardening and photography, and would often be found watching freighters coming in on the Grand River.

More than anything, Tom loved and cared for his family of three children and five grandchildren. He was a frequent visitor to his children’s homes to help with projects and attend games, recitals, and other events. Thomas would always help in any way possible, even if that meant just sitting to the side, lending an ear and a bit of advice. His jolly laughter and words of wisdom will be greatly missed.

Thomas is survived by his children, Heather (Doug) Hopek of DeWitt, MI, Travis Osterman of Grand Haven, MI, and Todd (Julia) Osterman of Milwaukee, WI; his grandchildren, Madelyn, Korinne, Anya, Jillyan and Theodore; his brother, Tim (Janet) Osterman of Portage, MI; and his former wife and mother of his children, Nancy Hathaway of Grand Haven.

The Celebration of Life for Thomas will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at First Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Art Tuls officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice of Muskegon or First Christian Reformed Church of Grand Haven, two organizations which provided Tom great peace toward the end of his life.

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