Thomas Michael Kiger

Thomas Michael Kiger, lovingly known as Tom - and "Pop Pop" to his three youngest children -passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by his devoted wife and children. He was 78 years old.

Born on June 4, 1948, in Holland, Ohio, to Thomas Arthur Kiger and Jean Marie Kiger, Tom grew into a man known for his intelligence, humor, curiosity, and unwavering love for his family.

Tom proudly served his country in the United States Air Force until 1976. He went on to earn his degree from the University of Toledo. He built a career marked by professionalism, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility in a variety of areas. Most recently, Tom spent 15 years with Farm Bureau Insurance as a Senior Information Risk/Compliance Specialist. Respected for his knowledge, dependability, and steady presence, he took pride in both his work and the relationships he built throughout his career. He retired in 2023, looking forward to spending more time with his family and enjoying the next chapter of life.

Outside of work, Tom was endlessly curious. An avid reader, he especially enjoyed novels by Tom Clancy and Anne Rice. He loved keeping up with emerging technology and could often be found tinkering with his computer. He was a fan of Michigan State football and basketball after moving to Michigan from California and remained a loyal supporter of the Denver Broncos. Many of Toms happiest memories were made traveling and spending time with those he loved. Summer vacations throughout Georgia, visits to Denver, Colorado to spend time with his older children, most recently a trip to France for his niece’s wedding and treasured Christmases spent with extended family in Sonoma, California became beloved family traditions. In more recent years, Red Robin and El Rancho in Holland became favorite gathering places where the staff knew him and his family by name and always welcomed them warmly.

Tom had a mischievous spirit and an unmistakable sense of humor. He loved a good joke, enjoyed making others laugh, and never hesitated to share his opinions or dream big. Yet beneath that playful exterior was a man whose deepest commitment was always to his family. Whether solving a problem, or simply ending the day watching the evening news beside his beloved wife, Chris, Tom found his greatest happiness in caring for the people he loved. Although he jokingly insisted he was “anti-cat” his family has plenty of photographic evidence proving otherwise. More often than not, one of the family's four cats - especially Pepito - could be found curled up beside him, receiving a healthy pat on the head and being told he is a “good cat”.

One of Tom’s proudest accomplishments was completing the New York City Marathon with his dear friends, Bob Greene and Jim Archuletta, a testament to the determination and perseverance that characterized his life. But if you had asked Tom what he was proudest of, the answer would have been immediate: his family. Nothing brought him greater joy than being a husband, and - perhaps his favorite title of all - a father.

He had an especially close relationship with his son, Daniel, who has autism. They were often joined at the hip and his absence will be felt acutely. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Arthur Kiger and Jean Marie Kiger, and by his brothers, Gary A. Kiger and Ronald K. Kiger.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Chris Kiger; his children, Matt Kiger (Un Young), Ali Kiger(Erin White), Marcy Kiger, Julie Kiger (Sam Dixon), and Daniel Kiger; his grandchildren, Alex Kiger, Kayla Kiger, Kylie Fish, and Molly Fish; his siblings, Kathy Stoll, Cheryl Yager, Deborah Lovell, Steven Kiger, and Stacy Munson; sister in law Sara Langen (Gretchen Daniels) and his cherished niece and nephew, Raemy Paterson (John Shuck) and Seth Paterson, along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Emmanuel Hospice in Grand Rapids.