Tom Grassmid

A man of integrity whose journey was defined by his steadfast faith, all who knew and loved Tom Grassmid can certainly agree that he understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and he faced every challenge that came his way with grit and determination. Nothing brought Tom greater joy than spending time with his friends and family. His sacrificial heart could be seen through his eagerness to help others, and he exemplified what it meant to follow after the Lord he loved so much. Already so dearly missed, Tom will be forever remembered by those who knew him best.

The mid 1950s are remembered as a very influential chapter in the history of the United States. The Korean Conflict had come to an end overseas, ushering in an era of hope. Here at home in America, the historical civil rights movement was in full swing. Popular TV shows such as “I Love Lucy” and “Father Knows Best” brought laughter into every home, and the music of the legendary Elvis Presley dominated the scene. It was during this exciting time that Robert and Susanne (Plas) Grassmid of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were expecting the arrival of their fourth child. On September 7 of 1955, they welcomed their son, Tom Edgar, into their arms at Blodgett Hospital.

In many ways, Tom was a typical boy of his generation. He was raised in the family home in Wyoming, Michigan, alongside his three older siblings, Judson, Barbara, and Scott. Much of his mother’s family lived in the area, so Tom grew up very close with his extended family as well. Throughout his early years, Tom could often be found running wild outside. He loved hunting with his father, snowmobiling during the winters, and boating and waterskiing at the family’s house on Bass Lake on the summer weekends. Tom was known to get into his share of mischief as a boy, though he would always claim just to be following his older brother, Scott.

The roots of Tom’s lifelong faith were planted while attending Burton Heights Christian Reformed Church with his family. He was active in the Cadets program there and would even become a Cadet counselor himself. Tom went to South Christian High School, where he played as a center on the football team. It was during his high school years that he attended a West Michigan Youth Bible Conference summer camp on Lincoln Lake and met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Janet DeJager, and their relationship got off to a tumultuous start. Tom tossed Jan into the weedy part of the lake, and she repaid him by standing him up for their first date. However, their paths eventually crossed again, and despite attending different high schools, Tom and Jan only grew closer.

Soon after graduating high school, Tom and Janet were united in marriage at Burton Heights Christian Reformed Church on June 14, 1975. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Kentucky, then settled down to begin their lives together in their humble home on Merrifield SW. Their early years of marriage were filled with travels with church friends, both for mission trips and just for fun. Tom and Jan both sang in the church choir as well.

Before long, Tom and Janet were overjoyed to welcome their first two children into the world. Tom set his mind on building a new house for his growing family. His love for the water and boating led them to purchasing land on the Grand River in Coopersville. Tom moved his family into their new home in 1988, where they were completed with the arrival of their daughter. They quickly found their church home at Little Farms Chapel in Eastmanville as well. Tom was very active in his church, serving on the fellowship committee and as a deacon. He organized many of the church camping trips, and his bass voice could be heard singing in worship.

Tom’s family was undoubtedly his greatest treasure, and he thrived in his role as a father. Though he could be a strict disciplinarian when needed, he loved passing down his passion for the outdoors and boating to his kids. The Grassmid family always had one boat or several, and they often went out on Lake Michigan or for a slow ride up the river. Many of Tom’s most precious memories with his family were formed on the water. The Grassmids also enjoyed camping with friends or families from church all around the state.

Over the years, Tom worked very hard to provide for his family. His first jobs were in construction, and for several years, he helped construct steel buildings. Tom worked for Miedema Concrete for a time, pouring walls. When the hard labor of construction started to take its toll, he was able to step into his career as a driver for various transportation companies, including for Huyser Asphalt.

Later in life, Tom discovered a love for cooking. He had a large rotisserie grill and enjoyed cooking for his family and for church events. Many of Tom’s Saturdays were spent with friends at the Berlin Raceway. He and Jan were also able to enjoy traveling. They went on an especially memorable trip through the Southern U.S., beginning in Talladega and making their way up to the Grand Canyon. Tom was thrilled to become a doting grandfather to Robert and Evelynn. His grandkids brightened his life, and he considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Tom Grassmid, it is easy to see both his unwavering faith and his unconditional love for those he held close. As a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he led his family with wisdom and strength, and his generosity has touched the lives of so many for the better. Although he will be forever missed, Tom leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Tom E. Grassmid, age 70 of Coopersville, passed away May 7, 2026. He is survived by his wife Janet; children: Grant & Danielle, Kyle and Tami; grandchildren Robert and Evelynn; sister, Barbara “Peach” (Mike) Lautenbach; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Reynold (Angela) DeJager, Mary (Randy) Bouman, Karen (Rick) VanDenBerge, Laura (Rick) Schuurmans, Paul (Karen) DeJager; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Jennifer; and brothers Judson and Robert “Scott” Grassmid.

The service to remember and celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11 AM at Little Farms Chapel (2518 Arthur St. E in Coopersville), Livestream available at (https://lfcopc.org/). Friends are invited to visit with his family on Thursday, May 14 from 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Matthew’s House or Reformed Mission Services are appreciated.

To read more about Tom, to share a favorite memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com