Obituary of Thomas Jay VanMeer

Thomas Jay VanMeer was born on October 14, 1943, in Carleton, Michigan. He was one of five children born to Albert and Melvina (Ulman) VanMeer. A lifelong resident of New Boston, Michigan, Tom attended Huron Public Schools.

On June 15, 1968, he wed the love of his life, the former Mary Taft, at Willow United Methodist Church in New Boston. The couple enjoyed nearly fifty-six years of marriage and were blessed with two children. Tom provided for his family while working as an oiler at General Motors. After thirty-eight years of dedicated service, he retired in 2000.

Tom appreciated a good meal. He loved his pork steak with onions and had a peculiar habit of snacking on any kind of bread, even garlic bread, topped with strawberry jelly and dipped in milk. Tom rode his bicycle twice a night for five miles, wearing out many bikes over the years. He often stopped along his route to collect empty cans and bottles for recycling. After his retirement from GM, Tom also took up scrapping metal. He counted his pennies, finding value in what others had discarded, and cleaning up the neighborhood along the way. Tom had the gift of gab and never met a stranger. Although he could be stubborn and ornery, Tom had a huge heart, and chose to go without to ensure everyone else was taken care of.

Thomas Jay VanMeer, age 80, of New Boston, passed away peacefully on Monday; May 20, 2024, at Beaumont Hospital in Trenton. His passing was preceded by his parents; a grandson: Casey Ellis in 2019; a brother: James VanMeer in 2009; and four brothers-in-law: Fred Ashby, Sam Hill, Bruce Worthington, and Roger Taft.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife: Mary VanMeer; a daughter: Yvonne (Rob) Ellis of Newport; a son: Thomas Jay (Charlene) VanMeer Jr. of Wayne, Michigan; six grandchildren: Chris (Shantell) Ellis, Connor (Lauren) Ellis, Elizabeth (Will) Boettcher, Cori (Chet) Marden, Zachary Dague (Angela Roman), and Kailia (Seth) Ratliff; eleven great grandchildren: Abby, Noah, Abel, Isaiah, Adalynn, Taiylore, Aubrie, Cidni, Jackson, Emma, and new baby Beau; two sisters: Betty Ashby and Alberta Hill; a brother: Tony (Sheryl) VanMeer; two sisters-in-law: Barbara (Steve) Gomes and Denise Worthington; two brothers-in-law: David (Gail) Taft and John (Deb) Taft; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday; May 24, 2024, and from 10:00am until 11:00am on Saturday; May 25, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Thomas’s Life will be held on Saturday at 11:00am, also at Merkle’s.  A procession will follow to Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock for burial.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.