Thomas Proefrock
Big Rapids – Thomas L. Proefrock, 64, of Grant Township, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2008, at Spectrum Health Butterworth in Grand Rapids.
He was born September 2, 1944, in Detroit, the son of Theodore and Edna (Knauf) Proefrock. As a child, Tom moved with his family to the Reed City area, and graduated from Leroy High School in 1962.
Following graduation, he joined the US Air Force, and served as an airplane mechanic stationed in Dover, Delaware until his honorable discharge in 1966.
On April 14, 1973, Tom married Linda Harrison of Paris, and they have made their home in Grant Township. For nearly 20 years, they owned and operated Gone to the Birds Farm, specializing in raising Bobwhite Quail. Tom drove bus for MOISD, and also drove athletic teams for Ferris State University. He also drove truck for several local companies.
Tom was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Reed City, where he was confirmed. He enjoyed his AA Fellowship, was active with Therapy Dogs International with his Golden Retrievers KDB and Molly, and was formerly Scoutmaster of Reed City Area Troop #70. He also actively participated in the LIFT Program, reading to children at G. T. Norman Elementary School in Reed City. Tom was “Dad first”, and looked forward to the annual trips to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota with his family. He loved shooting sports, and built his own skeet and trap range on the family farm in Ashton.
Surviving are his wife Linda; 5 children; Melissa (James) Barns of Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, Jamie Proefrock, Jeff (Jeanne) Proefrock of Muskegon, Jason (Debra) Proefrock of Hersey, and Josh Proefrock and his fiancé Julie Feutz of Paris; his mother-in-law Audrey Harrison of Paris; and his half brother Philip Parker of Battle Creek.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 8, 2008, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Reed City, with Rev. Dawn Pooley officiating. Burial will follow in the Ashton Cemetery. Tom’s family will greet friends at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids on Sunday, December 7, 2008 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., and after 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for the Reed City Food Pantry or the L.I.F.T. Reading Program at G.T. Norman Elementary School, with envelopes available at the funeral home.
7 Responses to “Thomas Proefrock”
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Linda and family,
We were so shocked to hear last evening of Tom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Knowing that he did not suffer has to be blessing. He’s in a much better place now, and he will be waiting for the time when you can all be together again, in our Father’s kingdom. Tom was a wonderful person, willing to do anything for anyone, and he will be missed by all who knew him. I’m sorry we won’t be able to be with you during this time. We’re now in Texas, a bit further away, but know that you are all in our prayers. God Bless, Russ, Gail, Alex, Matt & Miranda Fatum
Sorry about your loss. Dawn Todd Brinker
With Tom’s loss, the world became a little larger and colder. He was a wonderful Father, Boy Scout leader, Friend and co-worker. He will be missed by all who knew him. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Roger
Linda,
I never had the pleasure of actually meeting you, but for all the wonderful things Tom would say about his “wonderful Linda” I feel as though I had. Tom worked for me at Star Gas in Big Rapids and I have never had anyone I appreciated more than he. He did a great job under some harsh weather and always did it with a smile. He would take the dog along from time to time, on his route, and I thought that was great. Tom turned out to be more than just an employee, he became a true friend, the kind of person someone can truly count on. Tom loved his family and his friends more than any other man I have ever met. I was thinking of Tom the day he went home to be with the Lord, thinking I should give him a call. Having heard this news today, I wish I had heeded that thought and dialed the phone. I will miss hearing from him. But, most of all, this world will miss that point of light he provided to it. Toms witness for Jesus made a profound impact on me and was an encouragement like none other I ever felt. If others even had a small piece of the Tom I knew they are weeping as I am right now, not because of the loss but because they are looking forward wondering how long they have before they can see his smile once again. You and your family will be in my daily thoughts and a permanent marker for my prayers. I am so sorry that Tom is no longer here, but I am so very happy that he is now in paradise with our Lord Jesus Christ…I guarantee he is smiling from ear to ear
Yours In Christ,
~Terry Phillips
Linda and Family,
My deepest and sincere sympathy to you in the loss of Tom. Tom and I were in confirmation class together at St Paul’s, and dated when we were seniors in high school. His humor and wit as well as his desire to love his family and friends will never be forgotten.
I believe that I did meet you and your family after a church service in RC, many years ago.
I didn’t hear of his demise until yesterday, and I am shocked–he was much too young to have left all of us, this soon. I know of his deep faith, and I’m sure that he is now in the arms of the Lord.
Again, my deepest condolences in your loss.
Eleanor Keller DeYoung
Linda and Family,
It was great having a chance to meet you and Tom at the Spring Lake Craft show a few years ago. I will miss all of Toms fun emails. He was my greatest sender. I got a little worried that the emails stopped and found this in a search that I really wasn’t expecting to turn up. He will be missed by many.
Heidi