Thomas "Tom" Stehouwer

“Someday, you will read or hear that Tom Stehouwer is dead. Don't you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.”

Jesus brought His beloved son Tom Stehouwer home to heaven on July 7, 2026. We rejoice in knowing Tom is in the presence of his beloved Savior!

Tom was born on July 26, 1953 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was raised by God-fearing parents, Clarence “Bud” & Eileen Stehouwer, who daily lived out their love for the Lord. Tom’s older brother & sister-in-law, Charles & Marianne “Freddie”, are with him in heaven, and Tom is survived by his two older sisters Jean (Bob Freye), and Mary (Phil VanderMeer). Following the faith of his parents, Tom accepted Jesus into his heart as a junior in high school and, at age 20, publicly professed his faith in his church.

Tom met the love of his life and future wife, Joyce Hoekstra, at Central Christian High School, where he was a football player and she was a cheerleader. They were married on June 7, 1975, and together enjoyed 51 years of marriage and had 3 children: Jennifer, Heather (Benjamin Fiet), and David (Jenna VandenBrink). Tom exemplified biblical headship, leading his family with a gentle strength that quietly commanded respect. He led his children by example, cultivating a “team” mentality and always pointing his kids to Christ.

Tom revered God’s creation, enjoying the great outdoors through bird watching and learning about nature, landscaping, and gardening. He especially enjoyed camping, canoeing, and a bit of lighthearted, comical chaos with his closest college friends who affectionately call themselves the “Chaos Camp & Canoe Company.” Tom also loved vintage cars, war planes, steam locomotives, and traveling to beautiful locations with family and friends, both within the US and abroad.

Tom graduated with a business degree from Calvin College. He also learned valuable skills on-the-job while working for his dad at C.E. Stehouwer Company, a food brokerage that Tom later bought, expanded upon, and eventually sold at the peak of its’ success. He worked with integrity as unto the Lord, always valuing people more than products. He retired in 2019 from his career in the food industry at Acosta Sales & Marketing, where he served as Vice President of Sales, having refused further promotions so that he could spend more time with his family. In 2016, Tom became CFO and co-owner of Ball Park Floral & Gifts along with his wife Joyce and eldest daughter Jennifer. He often worked behind the scenes as a coach and mentor—a key contributor to the flower shop’s decades-long success. Tom was adept in business finance, strategic planning, organizing and managing people, as well as odd jobs and handyman work—often making spatial and functional improvements while emphasizing the importance of having the right tools for the job.

Tom loved to tell stories, often in great detail, based upon his real life experiences and to illustrate the wisdom or fun he desired to bestow upon his listeners. He had a fantastic sense of humor and a playful side that especially shined when spending time with his 2 grandkids, Rosie & Vivian (daughters of David & Jenna). He requested a special prayer focus for his 3rd granddaughter, arriving to Heather & Ben Fiet in November.

Tom was a leader not only in his own family and businesses, but also in the family of God. He taught catechism and Bible studies, served in various leadership positions at church and in Christian schools, and consistently gave generously of his time, treasure, and talents.

Tom was an avid reader of many books about American history, yet considered his daily Bible reading of utmost importance. He was a valiant prayer warrior; a humble, courageous man of valor, persistently praying for the hearts, souls, and minds of his loved ones in hopes that they, too, could experience the wonders of God’s love for eternity.

Even in suffering, Tom decided to glorify God. He used his last 2.5 years of cancer treatments, surgeries, and multiple medical appointments as opportunities to witness to as many people as possible, including fellow patients and countless nurses, doctors, and paramedics. The Stehouwer family is grateful to the many healthcare workers, friends, and family members who have supported us on this journey, extending special thanks to Bill & Maria Hoekstra and Jim & Anita Carter.

Tom was a man of integrity who loved and lived life to the fullest. His wisdom, strong faith, and intense love for Jesus are evident not only in his life, but in the many lives he touched and impacted for the better. The way Tom lived continues to inspire and encourage many people. The seeds of Truth and Love he planted and cultivated throughout his life will live on for generations to come.

Tom would like his family, friends, and the whole world to know about the amazing love of Jesus. He knows that God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son Jesus; and whoever believes in Jesus will not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Tom has everlasting life. He loves Jesus with his whole heart, and admonishes anyone reading this to seek Christ while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6). If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

If you’d like to read about Tom’s journey in recent years, you can find his writings on his blog: https://my-step-ladder.blogspot.com/

If you’d like to send flowers, plants, or gifts to the family, please contact Ball Park Floral & Gifts at 616-459-3409 or https://ballparkfloral.com

If you’d like to give a donation in Tom’s honor, please consider a financial contribution to Pittsburgh Urban Christian School https://pucs.org/give/ or Edison Christian Life Center https://www.edisonchristian.org/give/

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

To our beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend Tom, we stand united in the words of Christ: “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Visitation will also be 1 hour prior to the funeral service, which will be held on Friday, July 31 at 11:00am in the Chapel at Calvary Church, 707 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Following the funeral service, a light lunch will be served at Calvary Church. Interment will be at Washington Park Memorial Gardens. To celebrate Tom’s life by sharing a favorite memory or photo, please visit his dedicated memory page at https://heritagelifestory.com/obituaries/thomas-tom-stehouwer