Thomas VanKuiken

Thomas Brill VanKuiken, age 74, of Cascade, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from complications of Myasthenia Gravis. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Nordstrom) VanKuiken; children, Allison, Christopher, and Tom Fredrik; granddaughter, Eleanor; daughter-in-law, Megan; sister, Beth VanKuiken Buys (Chris); brother, Tim VanKuiken (Lisa); aunt and uncle, Janet and Lee Kihnke; sister-in-law, Judy Nordstrom Baiers; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Evert and Sally (Brill) VanKuiken; aunt and uncle, Irene and Bud Brill; infant son, Charlie; father and mother-in-law, Fred and June (Upton) Nordstrom; and by his brother-in-law, Rick Nordstrom. Tom was born on September 3, 1950, in Grand Rapids, MI and attended East Grand Rapids High School where he maintained lifelong relationships with a close group of treasured friends. While still in high school, Tom obtained his pilot’s license at the age of 16, and following his high school graduation he furthered his studies at Hope College, graduating in 1973. Later, he joined the family business , VanKuiken Food Brokerage. Eventually, Tom began his own property management company, Tommar Properties, often training his sons in practical home maintenance. Throughout Tom’s life, he focused on a few special interests. At a young age he became fascinated with meteorology, even mounting the roof of the family home with several instruments and gauges to measure the weather. Anemometer, barometer and wind gauge became the new “cool” words in the neighborhood. Gardening was always a beloved hobby, as well as cooking. Tom enjoyed watching University of Michigan football and basketball games with his wife, and Detroit Lion’s football games were always highly anticipated even during the losing years. A private family burial will take place at the Brill Family plot at Woodlawn Cemetery. No other services are planned. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Myasthenia Foundation in Tom’s memory would be appreciated. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Michigan, 2660 Horizon Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 www.mg-mi.org

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