Walter T. Dahms

DAHMS, Walter T. "Tom"
Of Kalamazoo
Formerly of Muskegon Passed away March 9, 2012 in Kalamazoo. Tom was born February 29, 1936 in Hersey, WI to the late Walter L. and Hazel Thronson Dahms. On July 28, 1956 Tom and Ethel were married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Muskegon, Michigan. Tom had completed basic training and was stationed in Salzburg, Austria. With half of his tour of duty yet to serve he was joined with his wife. They were then at a base in Paris, France. They returned to the states with their very first little girl, Teri Lynn. Made their home in Muskegon, Michigan for the next thirty nine years prior to moving to Portage. On March 9, 2012 God put his arm on Tom's shoulder and called him into heaven above with his loving family near by, as they always were. Tom was always a healthy and happy fellow. All sports were part of his entire life. Fishing pike on White lake with a spear, nice blue gill from Muskegon Lake and perch through the ice as well. He golfed in several courses. First in army days at Oren club in Orleans, France and traveling in Berchesgarden, Germany. In the states with his Lutheran friends and union and family members. He bowled on several leagues and hunted for many years. Camping was a favorite time through many cities and states. Tom loved his family and all their activities. Each time there was a new little grandchild, starting thirty years ago, they were on his lap to be cuddled. At cribbage games, he was top notch. All board games he challenged his grandchildren. As they began college he made each one a table that would fold up, to be used for snack time or doing homework. Leaving legacies was an important thought to store in their memory. Survivors are his dear wife, Ethel. They shared over fifty-five years of living Gods word throughout. Their first home was overseas while serving our country for three years of Army duty. After studying Mechanical engineering at Muskegon Community College, Tom began working with a carpenter friend and made the decision to take up construction. He attended classes for three years for a carpenters apprentiship. His first year in the trade he took a test. It was a Michigan State contest and Tom won first place trophy. He then entered the National contest in Las Vegas, Nevada where he won fourth place trophy and certificate. After 40 years in the trade he and his wife joined Builders for Christ to help build many Churches and remodeling projects. They had four very special Children. Teri Lynn Mark Temby, Thomas Terri Dahms, Kelly Sue Tom Barlow, and Kyle Patrick Dahms deceased. Grandchildren are Heather Bailey Price, Luman Sapna Temby, Ashley David Kirksey, Sara Michael Koert, Tyler Temby, Thomas Dahms, Ryan, Lauren & Kevin Barlow. One great-granddaughter Tallulah Grace Kirksey. In June our very first great-grandson, Jude Briley Price. Loving sisters: Patricia Bill-deceased Gauthier, Joyce Lyle-deceased Shoup, Lois Ben Pennell, Sally and John Tompkins deceased. Loving brothers and sisters-in-law, many special nieces and nephews, many cousins in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Services, March 15: Veteran's Committal service at Fort Custer-Battle Creek at 10:00am arrive by 9:45 at cortege area; visitation 1 pm and service 2 pm at St. James Lutheran Church, 2381 Romence Road, Portage, Mi. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. James Lutheran Church or Kingdom Workers.