Thomas Bennink

The life of Thomas J. Bennink is a story of compassion and courage. He was an honest and talented man who found immense happiness in the company of friends and loved ones alike. Whether he was creating a carpenter’s masterpiece or just putting for par, this quiet and gentle man loved every minute of every day.

Thomas was born during a tumultuous time in the history of the world on March 21st, 1944. It was the last stages of World War II and the years of struggle brought great changes to people everywhere. As this great conflict drew to a close, a new era of American prosperity emerged. Jobs were plentiful, housing was cheap, and everyone from farmers to factory workers enjoyed a healthy piece of mind.

It was in this setting that Tom grew up, living with his parents, two sisters and a brother. Tom’s father, Gerrit Bennink, operated a farm to support his family just outside of Grand Rapids. While Tom was very young, his older sister’s two boys came to live with the family. These boys, Fred and Bob, bonded quickly with Tom and they grew to be like brothers over time.

The family lived next to an old-fashioned one-room schoolhouse where the children attended class. Eventually the small building closed down, and Tom then attended Grandville Public Schools. As a youth, Tom grew to love sports like baseball and eventually made the high school team at Grandville. He spent much his free time hunting and fishing with Fred and Bob. During the winters, Tom and his siblings would ice-skate on the frozen pond at John Ball Park.

Tom discovered he had a natural talent for mechanics while only a teen. He taught himself to fix just about everything on a car. During high school, Tom took a job working at Town Talk Gas Station on Fulton Street. Back in those days when a car pulled up to the station, three young men were waiting to pump your gas, fill the tires, wash the windshield and check your oil. This job was a good opportunity for Tom to apply his knowledge of cars and make some money at the same time.

Tom graduated from Grandville High school in 1963. He wanted to gain some critical life experience so he enlisted with the National Guard. Tom began to develop his golf swing to occupy his time while his wife was at work. In 1961, Tom’s friends Jim and Diane Tomaszewski introduced him to a young woman named Theresa Witte while at a dance at the Armory on Michigan Ave. Both Tom and Theresa felt sparks and the pair began to date. After 5 years of dating, Tom proposed and the two wed on June 4th, 1966 at St. James Catholic Church.

After a pleasant honeymoon at Niagara Falls, Tom and Theresa returned back home to Grand Rapids to begin their new life together. He took a job with General Motors and started building the family’s first house on 14th avenue. Tom used his carpentry skill to craft much of the furniture in his house. Later in life he would sculpt magnificent wooden cabinets for his daughters.

Tom and Theresa welcomed the first of four baby girls into their lives in 1968. Jean was first, followed by Judy, Brenda then Lisa. With the birth of each of his daughters, Tom experienced the greatest joy of his whole life. The family became regulars at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Tom was a true family man at heart and seized upon any chance to spend time with his loved ones. During the warm Michigan summers, the Bennink family would travel north where they rented a cabin. The family would relax around Diamond Lake and share in some fun and conversation with the extended family. Later, Tom and Theresa bought 11 acres on Blacksmith Lake in Whitecloud, Michigan. The property had a badly damaged trailer set upon it, but with Tom’s carpentry skill it soon became a family weekend get-away. The extra land gave the family plenty of room to roam, or to tear around on snowmobiles in the winters.

Tom retired from GM after 30 years of work and settled about enjoying his life with Theresa, his daughters, and their 4 grandchildren. They were avid card players, and would invite friends, neighbors and family over on weekends for some Euchre or Poker action. To keep up with Tom and his buddies, Theresa began to learn the game of golf as so many of their weekends revolved around the sport.

Tom fell ill with cancer about a year ago. He fought his ailment with great bravery and courage, and though his treatments were difficult, he never complained. His vigor and compassion serve as inspiration to the family that he loved so much.

Thomas J. Bennink passed away on Friday, December 12th, 2003 at his home. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Theresa Bennink (Witte); his four daughters and sons-in-law, Jean and Steve Curie, Judy and Steve Rokos, Brenda and Terry Gay, Lisa Bennink; his four grandchildren, Alysha, Matthew, Nathan and Ryan; his sister, Fern DeMott; his sisters-in-law and brothers- in-law, Darlene Bennink, Bill Witte, Jim and Pam Witte, Gerry Witte, Lorraine and Bob Faber, Marge and Roger Hager, Emily and Kelvin Kozlowicz, Joe Schichtel, Joe and Annette Witte, Cathy and Kurt VanderHyde, Rose and Ben Jonaitis, Ed Witte, Jerry and Bertie Witte, Donna and Al Workman II; his nephews, Fred Bennink and Robert Moore who were like brothers to Tom; many other nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Minnie (Misner) Bennink, his brother Gerrit "Bud" Bennink, and his sister, Alma "Snook" Mekkes. The funeral Mass to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Monday morning at 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Burial will be in Rosedale Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to meet his family at Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, on Saturday evening from 7-9 and on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM with a vigil service at 7:30 PM. To read Tom’s complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the VanAndel Institute for Cancer Research or Hospice of Michigan, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICE, Life Story Funeral Homes

Tom was a brave and compassionate man who shared his wonderful talents and wisdom with all of his loved ones. He will be greatly missed.