Thomas "Tom" Dame

Thomas Dame, 89, of Elk Rapids, Michigan, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 14, 2026.

Born on February 25, 1937 in Grant, Michigan to Herman and Cora (Bolt) Dame, Tom grew up on the family farm east of Grant. He graduated from Grant High School and went on to join the military, first serving in the Navy and then transferring to the Marines to serve as a medic. Following his service, Tom continued farming, growing carrots, onions, and corn. He later owned Straatsma Associates for 25 years, working as a sales representative for manufacturers.

Tom married his loving and caring wife, Lois (Olson) on December 10, 1960. Together they raised three daughters on their farm in Grant. They later moved to Elk Rapids, Michigan, and lived there nearly 40 years. Later, Tom and Lois would split their time between their homes in Elk Rapids and Crystal River, Florida.

He was known for his quick wit, infectious laugh, and generosity. He loved sharing his sweet corn harvest with friends and neighbors. He could frequently be found at auctions and flea markets selling his wares and conversing with people. He was a loving husband and father as well as a doting grandfather who was loved by all his grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lois; his daughters: Jean (Jeff) D’Orio, Cheryl Morgan, and Diane (Roark) Pargeon; his grandchildren: Katrina (Kurt) Dufendach, Courtney (Troy) Sink, Missy (Ryan) Wolters, Nolan (Catherine) Moblo, Dexter (Miranda) Kruithoff, Cameron (Emily) Moblo, Roark Trevor (Jessica) Pargeon, and Gabrielle (David) Pargeon; 13 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law Judy Pranger and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Cora, and his brothers Arthur and Peter Dame, sister-in-law Janet Dame, and brother-in-law James Pranger.

Visitation will be at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City, Michigan on Monday, August 17, 2026 from 6:00-8:00PM. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 18 at 11:00AM at New Hope Community Church in Williamsburg, Michigan with visitation prior at 10:00AM.

Donations can be made in memory of Thomas Dame to Hospice at Bayside Wellness of Traverse City, Michigan or New Hope Community Church of Williamsburg, Michigan.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Tom’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.