Thomas J. Vanassche, Jr.

September 09 , 1946 - February 13 , 2017

VISITATIONS:

Friday, February 17, 20171:00 ~ 8:00 PMMichigan Memorial Funeral Home

SERVICES:

Saturday, February 18, 2017Mass 11:00 AMInstate 10:00 AMSt. Stephen Catholic Church

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Obituary

VANASSCHE, JR., Thomas J., of Romulus, Michigan passed away peacefully at his home on February 13, 2017, at the age of 70. Thomas “Big Jim” VanAssche was born on September 09, 1946 to Jim and Geraldine VanAssche of Dearborn Heights, Michigan as the second of their seven children. He married Kathleen Mazur on June 16, 1967. Together, they raised nine children Jim (Karla), Betty (John), John (Heidi), Karen (Dan), Mary (Todd), Teresa (David), Sarah (George), Joe (Heather) and Fr. Jacob. Jim worked hard at the family business, VanAssche Construction, his whole life; first alongside his father, then his brothers, then his sons. He loved his work, and even though he technically retired in 2007, he never really stopped working. On any given day, Jim could be seen all around town on a tractor, on his horse and buggy, cutting grass, tilling a garden, or plowing snow for his family and neighbors. His ability to befriend anyone anywhere was unmatched. Strangers at various restaurants in the area became like family to him on Sunday mornings. He instilled a strong sense of faith and love for the Church in all of his children, and would encourage everyone to have a relationship with God. Through all of his health problems, his wife Kathy was by his side to take care of him. Though he loved to take care of things himself. She, along with their children and grandchildren, watched him take on every challenge he faced with determination. He found a way around every obstacle, and sometimes just plowed straight through. He never gave up. He will be missed sorely by his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, his nine children, five sons-in-law, three daughters-in-law, his 32 grandchildren, his wife, and his many, many friends.

Condolences

Dear Fr. Jake and family, I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May God give you comfort and peace. Eternal rest grant unto Thomas, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. God bless you all. Suzanne Calvano
We are so saddened to hear of Jim's passing upon our return. We just loved Jim from the first time we met him and seeing him at 7:30 Mass. Our condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and may he Rest In Peace. May God Bless you all and keep you safe. Gary & Cindy Conley
Our deep condolences to you Kathy and your whole family. I (JoAnn) thought a lot of Jim from a young age from having him as a neighbor to now and being a father-in-law to my son Dan. May your faith in God and his blessings he will bestow on you keep you comforted in this time of sorrow. God Bless You Always- JoAnn Hall & Jude joann hall
We are so saddened to hear of Jim's passing, but we know he is watching over all of his beautiful family with so much love. We just loved Jim from the first time we met him and his love of God and his family and friends was truly a gift to all of us. Our condolences to the family and may he Rest In Peace. God Bless you always. Joan and Don Joan and Don Dwyer
I am so sorry about your loss. May God bless you! ¡Descanse en paz y que brille para el la luz perpetua! Lourdes
Thank you for your friendship Jim and for your example of Christ's love and sacrifice! Thank you for sharing your family with our family! May thee Angels lead you into Paradise The Trabbic Family
My prayers go out to all of the Van Assche family. May God Bless you all at this time. I went to grade school with Jim and remember him as quite the character and always laughing or smiling. He will be missed by all of his family and friends but will be smiling down on you all. Michele (Goebel) Barnard-Ladd
Jim & Karla, Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family as you mourn the death of your Father. Your strong faith in our loving God will help you turn your tears into the happiness of knowing Dad now rests in the arms of God. Celebrate his life with joy! God bless you! Maxine Smith Maxine Smith
My heart is broken for the family. I grew up with Jim and loved him. I'm sure God has welcomed him and said Well Done Pat VanAssche Williamson
We send thoughts and prayers to all of the family at this sad time. He will be greatly missed. Such a great family you all have and we know you will be there for each other. Love The Cooper family Kathy and Don Cooper
Kathy; sorry to hear of Jim"s passing ,our neighbor for 30yrs,he loved life and will be missed.rest in peace my friend with the lord. Bill & Jean Wadsworth Bill & Jean Wadsworth
Sorry to hear of your loss,my prayers are with the family Stan Piestrak
Our heart felt condolences to the Vanassche family. Our prayer are with all of you. May God hold all of you close to his side, strength and comfort each of you through this difficult time. God Bless you all! Love Chuck & Brenda Chuck & Brenda Sharrow
Our warmest wishes & sincere condolences to Jim's wife, his family, and extended family. Jim Szalay & Diane Wilbur
So sorry for your loss❤️ Bonnie Pettry
My condolences to the family your father was such a fine family man who loved all of you guys Felecia wade