Thomas Floyd Kasprzak

Growing up in the Creston neighborhood, Tom’s first job was delivering newspapers. While folding papers, he took time to read them — sparking a lifelong affinity for history, politics, and current events.

After graduating from Creston High School, Tom continued his education at Grand Rapids Junior College, earning a degree in Photography. With a creative and talented eye, he opened and operated his own business, Thomas F. Kasprzak Photography, specializing in architectural photography. Passionate about sharing his craft, Tom also taught 35mm camera basics through many local community education programs.

Tom lived his entire life in the same home across the street from Riverside Park. Taking full advantage of its beauty, he skated, played hockey and baseball, took long walks and bike rides, and enjoyed observing nature. A strong advocate for preserving the park as a natural space, Tom volunteered with the Creston Neighborhood Association, serving on the board and working alongside Friends of Riverside Park for many years.

Being outdoors was Tom’s greatest passion. He loved fishing — both from his boat and through the ice — and spent springtime in the woods near his cabin in Mesick searching for morel mushrooms. He and Sara enjoyed taking the long way home, driving tree-lined back roads in search of wild berries. Known affectionately as “Sara’s Berry-Boy,” Tom delighted in picking all kinds of fruit. He also loved gardening, tending to his ever-expanding vegetable and flower beds at home.

Always active, Tom was an avid bowler, participating in senior leagues at Northfield Lanes and Westgate Bowl. He also enjoyed golfing, most recently with the Rockford Senior Golf League.

Curious by nature and a critical thinker, Tom enjoyed talking with people and engaging in friendly debates and discussions about current events. He will be remembered for his deep love of his family, his community, and the outdoors.

Tom is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sara (Swanson) Kasprzak; his beloved cats, Pali and Poppi; his siblings, Nancy Moceri, Ted (Renee) Kasprzak, and Cathie (Dave) Rusche; his nieces and nephews, Carla Moceri (Peter Newman), Lisa (Matt Carpenter) Moceri, Peter (Sharon) Rusche, Neal (Karen) Rusche, Andrea Kasprzak, Rachel Kasprzak, Ross (Alex) Swanson, and Nina Swanson; and eight great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Jack and Marge Swanson; his brother-in-law Chuck Moceri; and his cherished cats, Ilford, Gretzky, and Cedar.

Heartfelt thanks to our brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and many friends who supported us throughout this journey, including Sara’s school family at Stepping Stones Montessori. We are deeply grateful to the entire staff at the U of M Health West Cancer Center, as well as the doctors and nurses who provided compassionate care during Tom’s illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2275 Diamond Ave NE. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Private burial will take place at Fairplains Cemetery.

Memorial donations in memory of Tom may be made to the Humane Society of West Michigan or the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan.