Thomas Edgar Vanden Berg

Vanden Berg, Thomas E., age 83 of Caledonia, Michigan, lovingly surrounded by his family, went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, December 6, 2025. Thomas (Tom), also lovingly known as Poppy, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 13, 1942, the son of Clifford and Violet (Hankins) Vanden Berg. Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Ann; daughter, Amy; and brother, Richard Vanden Berg. He is survived by his children David (Anita) Vanden Berg, Jason (Schar) Vanden Berg, Jennifer (Mark) Hagemann; and son-in-law, Malcolm Lomer; grandchildren Ashley, Jessica, Paula, Travis, Alyssa, Ray, Jake, Allyson, Mallory, Avery, Lily, and Callum; along with several great-grandchildren; brother, Clifford (Lynn) Vanden Berg; aunt, Audrey Anderson; sisters-in-law Carole Vanden Berg, Emily Dood, and Martha (James) Butler; along with several nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and his close friend from church, Lynne Maynard.

Tom was a caring and devoted spouse, as well as an involved, encouraging, and thoughtful dad. Tom was the best Poppy any grandchild could have wished for. He doted on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending countless hours with them draped across his lap reading their favorite books or singing silly songs. When they tired of that, it was off to the floor for building block towers and setting up the train tracks. When they needed a change of scenery, you could find Poppy and his grandkids out playing in his sprawling, lush green lawn. Most likely, you'd find Poppy, wearing his signature green John Deere cap, driving his John Deere tractor, pulling the squealing kids behind him in the wagon. When it was time for a rest, nothing hit the spot for Tom and his little crew like iced tea and Steenstra's Windmill cookies. "You can have two, because that's how many hands you have," is what Poppy would tell the little ones. Tom was a true gift to his family.

Tom spent the majority of his youth in the heart of Grand Rapids, playing baseball and any other sport he and his two brothers could convince the neighborhood gang to join. Tom and his family enjoyed the outdoors, from camping to sledding, to countless family reunions and backyard picnics - Tom was always on the go. Tom was very active in his school activities as well. In 1956, Tom's family relocated from Grand Rapids to Grandville. This change of address brought this paperboy straight past the house of the girl he would one day marry. Tom remained very active in high school athletics, earning his varsity letter in baseball as a freshman. In 1960, Tom graduated from Grandville High School. After high school, Tom worked hard to put himself through college, taking the grueling late-night and early shifts at Eberhard's Grocery store. Tom worked for Mr. Eberhard for 14 years and appreciated the hard work ethic he taught him and the other employees. Tom and Ann were married in 1965. Shortly after, in 1966, Tom completed his bachelor's degree, majoring in political science from Aquinas College. Additionally, Tom completed his Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Michigan State University. Tom devoted his entire 38-year teaching career to the Grand Rapids Public School district, both teaching and coaching in various buildings. "Mr. V.," as he was so affectionately called by his students, was a favorite teacher of many. He was firm but kind, had high expectations, but was always willing to help his students succeed. Tom also spent countless evenings and weekends on the grass, courts, or diamonds. He was a MHSAA official for varsity soccer, volleyball, and baseball. In addition to these events, Tom spent more than 50 years umpiring men's and women's softball games and weekend tournaments, especially in Grandville, Wyoming, and Byron Center. When Tom was able to squeeze in a bit of free time, you could bet he was taking in a sporting event himself. Tom was an original "Wing-Nut," having season tickets to the Red Wings for decades, dating back to Joe Louis Arena. Tom later transferred that hockey fix to the Grand Rapids Griffins and became a season ticket holder for them as well. His sports obsession didn't stop at hockey; he followed basketball, football, and of course, his team, the Tigers! Tom attended countless games with family and friends. He loved walking into that ballpark and admiring the beautifully manicured outfield. One thing he always had to have at each baseball game was a scorecard! Tom, if we were tallying up our scorecard now, we’d already know that we are the winners. We have been blessed with your kindness, warmth, generous spirit, cunning sense of humor, patience, and most importantly, your love. We could not be more grateful for your gift of time and the love you have shared with each of us.

Memorial services for Tom will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Park Church - 10 E. Park Place NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. A private family committal will take place at a later date. Tom's family will meet with friends and relatives at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the services on January 8. To honor Tom's memory, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Park Church or the Humane Society of West Michigan. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.