Thomas Edward Sommerdyke, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 11, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was born in Grand Rapids on November 24, 1931, son of Jessie and Anthony Sommerdyke. His daughter Susan Warholak preceded him in death. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife of 62 years Pat (Lepp) and his children Tom (Vicki), Jennifer, John (Chris); son-in-law Mike Warholak; his grandchildren Michael Warholak, Megan, Kelly, Henry, Sam and Matthew Sommerdyke; his brothers Dr. Richard Sommerdyke (Laura) and Terrence (Marie) Sommerdyke and many nieces and nephews. Tom was a graduate of Catholic Central High School and Loyola University Dental School in Chicago. His passion was dentistry. He practiced for 51 years in Grand Rapids and loved everything about his profession. He was a member of the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, the Kent County Dental Society and awarded the “Silent Bell” by the West Michigan District Dental Society in 2013. He was a fellow in the American College of Dentists since 1976. Throughout his life, Tom was a student of dentistry pursuing post-graduate courses and seminars all over the world wherever the most current advances and methods were presented. He was a devoted member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church volunteering in many activities and services throughout his 60 years as a parishioner. Tom treasured his children and grandchildren. They shared many happy times: golfing, snow skiing, waterskiing, Michigan Rummy and family vacations. He was a big fan at all their sports and school events. Tom was a kind and humble man always grateful for all that God gave him. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered Tuesday August 16 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1935 Plymouth Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, with Reverend Troy Nevins and Reverend Leonard Sudlik presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids Monday August 15 from 5-8 pm with the Rosary at 7:30 pm. Visitation again at the church on Tuesday at 10:00 am. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Central High School, 319 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 and Killgoar Foundation of Immaculate Heart of Mary School, 1935 Plymouth Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
