Thomas "Tom" Lentenbrink

LENTENBRINK, THOMAS

Of Portage, MI

Thomas Brian Lentenbrink, age 76, passed away suddenly on September 19, 2019 in Kalamazoo, MI. Tom was born December 27, 1942 in Kalamazoo, MI, the son of Claude and Irene (McColpin) Lentenbrink.

Tom was a man who provokes memories of kindness, selflessness, humor, strength and an open door policy with both his heart and home to those who had the fortune to know him. Tom carried this reputation throughout the entirety of his life. Those who had the opportunity to know Tom likely have a memory of how he brightened their day, made them smile or extended his support in some form. Tom was a caregiver by nature.

He fiercely loved family and never hesitated to express this tremendous love for them. Tom accepted everyone as family. He carried with him a reputation of being a role-model, father-figure and mentor to many people.

As a husband, he was by the side of his wife through 48 wonderful years; supporting their partnership without question through countless experiences. Together, they traveled the country, raised a family, bought their dream-house on the lake and always found reasons and opportunities to play. To his children, Tom was an anchor and extraordinary father. Words do not do justice for the love Tom held for Bryan and Jennifer. His unconditional support was a point of honor and a characteristic which will be carried on in his legacy by them. As a brother, he was a best-friend, reliable back-up, and rock to his sister. They possessed an unspoken bond which transcended that of the sibling relationship, and were devoted in their support to one another through all of life's ebbs and flows.

He spent over 40 years employed at KVCC, a position he took much pride in. His career allowed him the opportunity to mentor students, support others and gave him a place to express his natural character. At his core, his passion for the education community was rooted in his desire for seeing others do well.

Tom was well-known for his RV road trips, love of motor homes, unmatched sense of humor, creative use of duct tape, annual reading tax code books, and unrelenting loyalty to the Detroit Lions. These characteristics combined with his big heart and family orientation are some of what made Tom uniquely Tom. The loss of Tom Lentenbrink is an incredible loss to many, and the world will not be the same without him.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years Laura Lentenbrink; their two children Bryan (Maricica) Lentenbrink and Jennifer Lentenbrink; a grandson Thomas Edward Lentenbrink; a sister Mary (Chuck) Botsis; nephews and nieces Jessica Grisham, Katie (Tyler) Lane, Chris (Krystine) Botsis, Alex Andonian, McKenna Andonian, Brett Dempsey, Blain Dempsey, Bryce Dempsey, Savanna Dempsey, and in-laws Art (Laurel) Andonian and Sue (Bart) Dempsey. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister Diane.

The family will receive friends from 4:00PM-7:00PM on Sunday, September 22 and from 11:00AM-1:00PM on Monday, September 23 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 411 E. Centre Ave. Funeral Services will begin at 1:00PM on Monday at the Portage Chapel with Pastor Jim Dyke officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Traveler's Café and Pub, 5225 Portage Road. Memorials in Tom's memory may be directed to KVCC Foundation; or Kalamazoo Promise; or American Cancer Society. Please visit Tom's personalized guest book at https://www.langelands.com