1938
Thomas
2016
Thomas J. Rysenga
September 8, 1938 — May 11, 2016
RYSENGA, THOMAS J.
of Kalamazoo
Tom passed away on Wednesday evening, May 11, 2016 at his home with his family by his side. He was born on September 8, 1938 in Kalamazoo, the son of Herman and Helene (Steketee) Rysenga. In 1957, Tom graduated from Comstock High School. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he served almost 2 years until he was injured in training. On September 29, 1967, Tom was married to Betty L. Williams. He worked his entire career as a shoe salesman. In 1965, Tom began work for Breedveld's Shoes in Otsego until 1971, when he ventured out to open his own shoe store, Tom's Footware, in Delton, which he owned until 1981. He and Betty then moved to Texas for 10 years. Upon returning to Kalamazoo, Tom was employed by Corey's Bootery in Kalamazoo from 1991 until his retirement in 2004. Tom loved life and had a very strong faith. He would never pass up the opportunity to talk about the Lord, even to strangers. Tom loved tennis, flowers and gardening and was a devoted Detroit Tigers and Lions fan, no matter their record. Surviving are his wife of 48 years: Betty L. Rysenga; four children: Dawn (Greg) Seiler of Kalamazoo, LuAnne (Bob) Karabensch of Fennville, Andrew (Debbie) Rysenga of Otsego and Tobin Rysenga of Austin, TX; nine grandchildren: Ally and Emma Seiler, Joe Thomas, Kristy (Justin) Rowlson, Kelly Thomas, Ashley Parker, Drew (Chelsea) Rysenga, and Micah and Eli Rysenga; eight great-grandchildren: Ben, CJ, Levi, Frankie, Kendra, Sophia, Marcos and Christopher; two sisters, Margaret Carlson; and Elizabeth "Libby" (Ken) Flickinger both of Kalamazoo; three brothers, Chuck (Cathy) Rysenga, Ken (Mary) Rysenga, and Paul (Judy) Rysenga all of Kalamazoo; numerous nieces and nephews; and former spouse, Carol (James) Drake. Preceding him in death were his parents and an infant sister, Susan Rysenga. Friends may visit with Tom's family from 6-8 PM on Sunday, May 15, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 16, at First Congregational Church of Otsego, 120 W. Morrell Street. Rev. Stephen Tucker will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to Disabled American Veterans.
**MEMORIALS**
Disabled American Veterans
Attn: Gift Processing
P. O. Box 14301
Cincinnati, OH 45250
www.dav.org
3926 S. 9th St.
Kalamazoo, MI, US, 49009
120 W Morrell St.
Otsego, MI, US, 49078
of Kalamazoo
Tom passed away on Wednesday evening, May 11, 2016 at his home with his family by his side. He was born on September 8, 1938 in Kalamazoo, the son of Herman and Helene (Steketee) Rysenga. In 1957, Tom graduated from Comstock High School. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he served almost 2 years until he was injured in training. On September 29, 1967, Tom was married to Betty L. Williams. He worked his entire career as a shoe salesman. In 1965, Tom began work for Breedveld's Shoes in Otsego until 1971, when he ventured out to open his own shoe store, Tom's Footware, in Delton, which he owned until 1981. He and Betty then moved to Texas for 10 years. Upon returning to Kalamazoo, Tom was employed by Corey's Bootery in Kalamazoo from 1991 until his retirement in 2004. Tom loved life and had a very strong faith. He would never pass up the opportunity to talk about the Lord, even to strangers. Tom loved tennis, flowers and gardening and was a devoted Detroit Tigers and Lions fan, no matter their record. Surviving are his wife of 48 years: Betty L. Rysenga; four children: Dawn (Greg) Seiler of Kalamazoo, LuAnne (Bob) Karabensch of Fennville, Andrew (Debbie) Rysenga of Otsego and Tobin Rysenga of Austin, TX; nine grandchildren: Ally and Emma Seiler, Joe Thomas, Kristy (Justin) Rowlson, Kelly Thomas, Ashley Parker, Drew (Chelsea) Rysenga, and Micah and Eli Rysenga; eight great-grandchildren: Ben, CJ, Levi, Frankie, Kendra, Sophia, Marcos and Christopher; two sisters, Margaret Carlson; and Elizabeth "Libby" (Ken) Flickinger both of Kalamazoo; three brothers, Chuck (Cathy) Rysenga, Ken (Mary) Rysenga, and Paul (Judy) Rysenga all of Kalamazoo; numerous nieces and nephews; and former spouse, Carol (James) Drake. Preceding him in death were his parents and an infant sister, Susan Rysenga. Friends may visit with Tom's family from 6-8 PM on Sunday, May 15, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 16, at First Congregational Church of Otsego, 120 W. Morrell Street. Rev. Stephen Tucker will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to Disabled American Veterans.
**MEMORIALS**
Disabled American Veterans
Attn: Gift Processing
P. O. Box 14301
Cincinnati, OH 45250
www.dav.org
Visitation
MAY 15. 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Langeland Family Funeral Homes - Westside Chapel3926 S. 9th St.
Kalamazoo, MI, US, 49009
Service
MAY 16. 11:00 AM
First Congregational Church of Otsego120 W Morrell St.
Otsego, MI, US, 49078
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