Thomas K. Triemstra

Thomas K. Triemstra left his earthly home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 25, 2024.  Tom was born on December 8, 1951, to his parents, Bert and Grace (Sportel) Triemstra.  Tom had struggled with the losses associated with Parkinson's Disease for nearly 23 years.  In heaven now, he knows only joy.

Tom graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High in 1970, the best class ever with classmates who care about each other, even now.  He earned a secondary teacher's physical education degree from Calvin College. Tom married his wife, Sally Jo Triemstra, in 1974. Together they pursued teaching positions.   Tom returned to school at WMU to get a degree in Industrial Arts teaching, helping him to get a job at Grand Rapids Christian Schools for a few years.  Some years later, he taught in the Kalamazoo Christian Schools, where he coached track and field.  Tom enjoyed running races himself for many years. Tom reluctantly left teaching and coaching track and worked at Johnson Howard Lumber, returning to school at KVCC to learn CAD drafting. Designing kitchens at Johnson Howard led him to the job he would retire from at Woodwork Specialties.  God was in the details.

The greatest joy of Tom's life was raising his three sons.  He spent a lot of time coaching their Little League baseball teams, camping with the Stolk Drive family and the Pentwater bunch and watching the boys participate in high school sports.  Tom's life with his family was centered around his church.  Tom was a charter member of Westwood Christian Reformed Church. There he taught Sunday School, was a Young People's leader, served as a deacon, wrote sports articles for the Westword, and coached the men's softball team.  Tom invited new people in the church of any skill-level to join the team.   It was definitely a way to belong and to meet people. Tom helped his wife as she taught Children's Worship by building many of the movable cabinets that are still used downstairs.

Tom's journey with Parkinson's Disease did not end his life quickly and, in God's will, he would see each of his sons finish their post-high school educations and find their forever careers.  He watched his sons each get married and be blessed with children. His son, Bryan, and his wife, Angie, blessed Tom with grandchildren, Luke, Lexi, and Zoey.   His son, Kevin, and his wife, Abby, blessed Tom with grandsons, Thomas, Isaac, and Henry.   Tom's son, Matthew, and his wife, Tiffany, blessed Tom with grandchildren, Addison, Carter, and Liam.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his wife, Sally Jo, and his 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law, and 9 grandchildren.  He is also survived by his siblings, Patricia (BJ) Huizenga, Bruce (Sally Ann) Triemstra, Gayle (Phil) DeVries and brother-in-law, Tim (Yolanda) DeHaan.

Friends are welcome to join the family for a memorial gathering on Thursday May 9, 2024, from 10am to 12pm, at Westwood Christian Reformed Church, 620 Northampton Road, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006, with a memorial service to follow at 12pm. Anyone is welcome to stay for a lunch provided by the church, after the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Kalamazoo Christian School Association, 2121 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008, or to a charity of your choice. To view Tom’s personalized guestbook, please visit https://www.langelands.com