Tom Drenth, 71, of Lowell, Michigan, passed unexpectedly at home during a football game of his beloved Spartans on October 26, 2019. He is survived by a loving wife of 40 years, Carol; his children, Todd Drenth, Cori (Ryan) Curtis, Chad (Kelli) Drenth; granddaughters, Lucy and Emma Curtis and Lena and Clara Drenth; his sister, Jan (John) Noye and sister-in-law, Donna. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Jennette and brother, David. Tom grew up in East Jordan, Michigan and graduated in 1966 as valedictorian. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan law school and Grand Valley State University. Tom was a practicing attorney for 37 years, serving at Clary Nantz law firm in Grand Rapids, in private practice in Traverse City and retiring as the Kent County labor counsel in 2010. Tom was a passionate reader and sports fan. He was an all-state basketball player in high school, never missed a Michigan State basketball or football game and was a season ticket holder for many years. He passed his love of reading to his children and grandchildren, introducing them to new series and genres; showering them with gifts of books and taking them to meet favorite authors. Tom was an active participant in the lives of his children, grandchildren and friends. He attended countless concerts, games, theater productions and recitals to encourage his children. He fully embraced his role as grandpa and loved to attend his granddaughters’ events. He supported friends, running errands and providing rides and assistance in times of need. Tom will be greatly missed by his family, friends and loyal dog, Cleo. He will be remembered for his stories, the way he lived his life and his love for his family. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 29 at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm and one hour prior to the funeral service, which will be held at Lowell United Methodist Church, 621 E. Main St., Lowell, MI 49331 on Wednesday, October 30 at 11am. Internment at Oakwood Cemetery in Lowell will take place after the funeral with a luncheon to follow. For those who would like to make memorial contributions, the family recommends the First Park Congregational Church Music Program, 10 E Park Pl NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or the Kent County Animal Shelter, 740 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
13 Responses
Much love and prayers sent during this tremendous loss . May the Lord carry you in your grief❤
Tom was always a good guy, well read, and a firm supporter of Lowell Athletics as well as a huge Spartan fan. Tom and Carol raised a wonderful family that he adored and I’m sure the grief right now is tremendous.
His memory will endure.
I loved the opportunity to work with Tom…I’m so very sorry for your loss
We send love during this tremendously difficult time. We will miss our friend Tom.
My sympathy to the entire Drenth family. Tom and I worked closely together at Kent County fo six years. I valued his knowledge and experience, and especially that Drenth sense of humor in difficult situations. He was a good man, partner, and friend. My prayers are for you in your loss.
Tom and I worked closely together at Kent County. I greatly valued his knowledge, experience, and the Drenth sense of humor. Tom was a good man and friend. My thoughts and prayers for the Drenth family.
Carol and family my deepest sympathy. Prayers to you.
Heartfelt prayers for his family. He was an amazing man, much loved and respected. He will be so missed. Truly a life well lived.
Chad and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
The Bouwmas
To the family of Thomas Drenth, I’m so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I have lost many loved ones and know the pain this causes. These Bible scriptures have comforted me: 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 – God is a source of comfort; Acts 24:15- There will be a resurrection. I hope this comforts you as well.
Deepest sympathy to Carol and the Drenth family. Tom was a great friend since the first days of our freshmen year at MSU. Tom was a true Spartan full of athletic stories. And always giving his unbiased opinion on how the Spartans should play. I will miss his conversations and loss will be missed by his many friends. Prayers out to his family. Bob Gale
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom and I were roommates in Normandy Apts. back in the “70’s. We shared many trying/happy times. I will always remember him for coming to my fathers funeral in 2001 even after we had not connected for many years. He was one of my true friends that I will always remember. “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.”
Carol
Mary and I send our sympathy. Tom always put a smile on our faces with his dry sense of humor
You are in our thoughts and prayers