Thomas Robert Nauta

Thomas “Tommy” Robert Nauta, age 76, of Grand Haven, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at home. He was born on March 7, 1948, to James and Genevieve (Wessel) Nauta in Grand Rapids, MI, and raised with his siblings in Grand Haven by his mother and stepfather, Walter.

At age six, Tommy lived just around the corner from Baker Lumber. He would pick up blocks of wood and create works of art, which is when he developed a lifelong passion for woodworking. Tommy made countless pieces of fine furniture that will be cherished forever by family and friends, and he built several beautiful homes in Grand Haven.

Tommy graduated from Grand Haven High School and then attended Muskegon Community College. He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1968 to 1970, in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Upon his discharge from the Army, Tommy returned to his beloved Grand Haven and continued his career and family.

Tommy later met and married the love of his life, Cindy Hunter, in 1993. They were married in St. Thomas on Megan’s Bay. They shared countless adventures, including many years as D dock residents on their boat, “Nauti & Nice,” where Tommy became known as the mayor of the dock and the “dock father.” Coast Guard week was near and dear to his heart as his grandfather was a captain in the Coast Guard and involved with the first Coast Guard picnic.

Tommy became an avid Parrothead once he met Cindy, and one of the many Jimmy Buffett concerts they attended included boating from Grand Haven to Chicago to see him.

Most people remember Tommy driving around town in his red Wessel’s truck, fixing tires, and helping countless people as a partner at Wessel’s Tire and Auto. He loved helping people and only fully retired a year ago. 

Tommy was a talented craftsman who loved his family, going boating and snow-skiing, his woodworking, his Jimmy Buffett hats and shirts, and the dog he didn’t want, Lola, who quickly became his best buddy.

Tommy will be forever remembered and missed by his family and countless friends. He was a loving husband to Cindy; and father to: Jeff (Cyndie) Nauta, Chad (Gina) Nauta, Jessica Nauta (Michael Shinn), Billy Bellefeuil, and Amy (Mike) Troast. He loved being a grandpa to: Andrew, Mary, Austin, Jayden, Lana, Broc, Chase, Peyton, Tate, Teagan; and great-grandpa to Jackson and Jacob. Also surviving are his siblings: Jim (Jan) Nauta, Mary (Jim) Hoskin, Ken (Roberta) Nauta, Judy (Louis) Davidson, and Steve (Barbara) Madsen. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Memorial Service for Tommy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Leonard Troast officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 12th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28 Honor Guard or the Wounded Warrior Project.

** The Memorial Service for Tommy will be live-streamed beginning at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Please click here to view:

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