Thomas "Tuck" Jewell

Thomas “Tuck” Jewell, age 77, passed away peacefully after a long journey with Lewy Body Dementia. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Sr. and his mother Edith Jewell; brothers, Fred Jr. , Ed, Dick; sister, Nancy and his brother-in-law, Bob Redman. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Joan; children, Kathy (Bruce) Ortman, Susan Launiere (Jim), Tom (Laura) Jewell, Linda Weindorf (Bobby) and Shelly Jewell (Wendy); grandchildren, Keith, Kristi, Jim, Jason, Elizabeth, Erin, Jamie, Emily, Karac, Kevin, and great grandchildren, Stella, Jackson, Isa Alyse, and another one on the way. Also surviving are brothers and sisters, Robert (Sally) Jewell, Janeen Redman, Judy (Dan) Mills, Jim (Gladys) Jewell, Jerry (Char) Jewell, Ben (Barb) Jewell, Marilyn Jewell, Mary Lou (Rich) Razmus; sister-in-law, Doris Jewell and many nieces and nephews.

Tuck was employed by the Grand Rapids Press for 47 years, beginning as a copy boy at age 16; progressing through an apprenticeship, and becoming a printer and linotype machine operator; completing his career as a single copies manager.

Starting at a very young age, he was an avid fisherman and hunter who shared his passion and stories with other family members and friends. His love of the outdoors will live on forever through his loved ones.

The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2275 Diamond Ave., Grand Rapids with the Rev. George Darling as celebrant. The family will receive friends at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids on Monday, October 22, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again at the church on Tuesday from 10:30 until the time of mass at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Jewell’s family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to all the staff at Holland Home Fulton Manor and Van Andel Pavilion for all of the love and support given to their husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Suite 101, 294 Fuller Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.