Obituary: Thomas Bruining, 75, Ludington.

Thomas Bruining

Obituary: Thomas Bruining, 75, Ludington.

Thomas Paul Bruining, 75, of Ludington, and formerly of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born October 29, 1942 in Grand Rapids to Paul and Winifred (VanSolkema) Bruining. Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy out of high school, and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, Tom returned home and worked for Reynolds Metals in Wyoming. After 25 years with the company, Tom retired to Ludington, to the great up north where he spent many days enjoying his many passions of life; hunting, fishing, gardening, cruising around to local fishing holes, talking with many of his friends over coffee, and enjoying Tigers games with his family.  Tom worked locally for some time in Ludington, at Whitehall Industries, until his second retirement in 2003. After many years together, Tom married the love his life, LaBrenda Bolema on November 3, 2007. They had met at Marge’s Donut Den in Grand Rapids and had shared 30 wonderful years together in Ludington.

Tom will be remembered for his overwhelming kindness, his gentle calmness, his forever love, his great wisdom with few words spoken, and his never-ending patience.  Tom loved his family and friends, and never grew tired of listening to all those fishing tales.

There was nothing more he enjoyed in life, than spending time with his family, especially his little prides and joys, his five grandchildren.

He will be forever and greatly missed by his beloved wife, LaBrenda; his son, Brian (Cara) Bruining of Grand Rapids; his daughters, Marcelyn Hulvey of Ludington, Jamie (Dan) Yenchar of Ludington, Wendy Pike of Ludington; his grandchildren, Gabrielle (Michael), Jaclyn, Scotlyn, Rainie, and Lucas; his siblings, Jon (Sue) Bruining, Larry (Mary) Bruining, Pam (Bob) Lipscomb, Paul Bruining Jr.; his sister in law Pamela (Roger) Reeder; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and all of his friends, especially Rich and Vicky, and Lori and Frank.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Carol Bruining; his daughter, Sherri Lynn Bruining; his siblings, Patricia Gaunt and Syndy Bruining.

There will be a Celebration of Life and “A Gathering of Great Fishing Tales”, Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Loomis Street Boat Launch in Ludington.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family, which will be used in the future to purchase of a memorial item to be placed in the City of Ludington.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.oakgroveludington.com.