Ivan "Tom" Thompson

Ivan “Tom” Thompson, 71, of Grand Rapids, died Friday evening July 2nd at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus. He was born June 23rd, 1939 in Grand Rapids and was the son of the late Ivan Henry & Georgia (Lewis) Thompson. He honorably and proudly served his country in the United States Army in the 126th Infantry during the Cold War. He was a member of American Legion Post 47 in Comstock Park. Tom retired from the Kent County Parks Commission in 2001 as Park Manager of the “Dwight Lydell” park in Comstock Park. He was a parishioner at St. Jude Catholic Church. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Joan Marie (Emery) Thompson; three sons, Rick (wife-Sydney), Tom (wife-Kathy), and Pat (wife-Danielle) Thompson; a grandson Zachary Thompson; three granddaughters, Kayla, Taylor, and Marisa Thompson; an anticipated fifth grandchild “Baby T” Thompson; special brother and sister-in-laws Vern (wife-Janet) Emery and their family Matt and Chris; two brother-in-laws, Al and Mike Emery and their families; special friends, Jim (wife-Karen) Davis, Dave (wife-Kathy) Hordyk, Sally (husband-Mark) Tidd, Ray Whetzel, and Gus (wife-Marcia) Schnipke, with a heartfelt thank you for all the love and support for the last few years. Tom’s beloved pets Murphy and Lilli will miss him greatly. A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday July 8th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 Four Mile Road, N.E. with Rev. Thomas Page officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Kent County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held Wednesday July 7th from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel, a scripture service will be at 8:00 p.m. with Rev. Chuck VanLente officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association with envelopes provided at the funeral home. Online condolences and tributes can be made at www.reyersnorthvalleychapel.com