Thomas Jay Bouwsma

Thomas J. Bouwsma, age 66, died peacefully on February 23, 2021, at Lacks Cancer Center.
He was a long time resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and for over 28 years worked as a
truck driver for Bodycote-Specialty. He was a graduate of Grand Rapids Christian High School
and attended two years at the University of Michigan. He enjoyed keeping track of the
Wolverines’ success or lack thereof; and to a lesser degree, he monitored the sports
achievements of Christian High. After serving three years in the 7
th
Infantry Division he was
honorably discharged from the United States Army. Thomas loved music and was very gifted at
playing the violin, guitar, and piano. He also had a passion for travel and adventure which
resulted in a few family camping excursions throughout the years and an exciting trip to Uganda
in 2013. However, as a Christian believer, the highlight of Thomas’ travels was his 2017 trip to
Israel; one so fulfilling that he had planned to return in 2020 but was unable to do so due to the
travel restrictions. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, Patricia
Fisher-Bouwsma; two daughters, Rachel (Mike) Williams; Hannah (Dave) Richards; one son,
Carson Bouwsma; two step-sons, Eric (Kristin) Fisher; Nick (wife, Micah) Fisher; two
step-daughters, Kate (Jonathan) Rhoads; Angela Bouwsma; and 12 grandchildren. He will also
be remembered and missed by three sisters, Emily Bouwsma; Elizabeth (Bear Berends)
Oppewal; Andrea (Karl) Van Voorthuijsen; two brothers, David (Cathleen) Bouwsma;
Christopher Bouwsma; several nieces and nephews; and many co-workers and friends. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Chuck & Gretchen Bouwsma and his sister, Catherine
Bouwsma. A private burial will be at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens on March 27, 2021, with a
remembrance service and dessert reception to follow at Orchard View Church of God 2777
Leffingwell Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Thomas and the family
received extraordinary care from the 4th floor medical teams at Lacks Cancer Center; so in lieu
of flowers, please donate gifts in memory of Thomas J. Bouwsma to: St. Mary’s Foundation
designated towards Lacks Cancer Center, 200 Jefferson Ave, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Or
if you would prefer to donate to two ministries dear to Thomas’ heart, you can choose: OR
TZION, Inc., Texas Heritage Bank, 101 N. Main Street, (P.O. Box 699), Cross Plains, TX 76443,
or Great Commission United, 3301 Green St., Shelby, MI 49455.

 

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