Thomas Dale Huizinga, 68, of Wayland, died Sunday, Feb. 7, at his home.Born April 23, 1952, in Zeeland, he was the son of the late Thomas and Irene (Koster) Huizinga, Jr. After finishing high school, Thomas entered the United States Air Force and served for for six years. Once out of the service, he went on to work as a semi truck driver, a diesel mechanic and a hobby farmer.
Thomas was one who enjoyed the simple things in life and really did not like today’s technology driven gadgets. Spending time gardening, time with his grandchildren, taking in nature, breathing in the fresh air and observing any wildlife around him was the way Thomas enjoyed life.
Thomas is survived by his two children, Lisa (Adrian) Rodriguez-Castillo and Rebecca (Thomas) Brower; four siblings, Ken (Alice) Huizinga, Linda (Robert) LuxFord, Richard (Luann) Huizinga and Larry (Shelly) Huizinga; eight grandchildren, Alexander, James, Andrea, Makayla, Jesse, Gracie, Carlos and Jasmine; and his great-granddaughter, Selena.
Besides his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Tony Smith.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Hopkins Community Church (2142 128th Ave., with Pastor Jonathon VanderWall officiating. Active military and the Otsego VFW Post 3030 will be rendering military honors. Memorial donations may be made to the family.
