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| Service Information Thomas John Ozinga |
| Visitation: Friday, January 23, from 5 to 7 PM at the church. Saturday, January 24, from 10 - 11 prior to the service at Westminster Presbyterian Church Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 24, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, 49503 Cemetery: Woodlawn Memorials: Claire Ozinga Memorial Music Fund at Westminster Presbyterian Church https://westminstergr.org/ |
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Thomas John Ozinga, age 87, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2025. Tom was born in 1938 to James and Esther Ozinga. He earned his B.A. at Calvin College, followed by graduate work in speech at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor; where he would earn his M.A. and Ph.D. Tom taught at Calvin College from 1963-1999, in the speech department, later the communication department, including 13 years as director of college relations, a new position. Tom retired as Professor of Communication, Emeritus. He was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he enjoyed singing tenor in the Sanctuary Choir and volunteer activities. Tom was preceded in death by his first spouse, Claire (Heusinkveld) Ozinga; brother, James R. Ozinga; and sister, Marjorie Van Dyke. He is survived by his spouse and caregiver, Phong Hoang; his two sons, Timothy Ozinga, Steven (Melissa) Ozinga; grandchildren, James Ozinga, Sydney Ozinga; and several nieces and nephews. Tom made numerous trips to Vietnam with Phong and learned to love the Vietnamese people and culture. The family will greet visitors on Friday, January 23, from 5 to 7 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, also, Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10 to 11 AM, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI; where a memorial service will begin at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Lynette Sparks, officiating. A light luncheon will follow the memorial service. Private interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Tom may be made to the Claire Ozinga Memorial Music Fund at Westminster Presbyterian Church. |
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STROO FUNERAL HOME
1095 68TH ST SE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508
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