Thomas J. Shlaffer, age 66 of Hesperia, passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2022 following a short stay at Butterworth Hospital. Tom was born on March 8, 1955 in Muskegon to Ernest and Rita (Cayo) Shlaffer and graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central High School and continued his education at Central Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education. Tom became a teacher at Hesperia Community Schools in 1978 and taught for 29 years until his retirement in 2007. While at Hesperia schools, Tom coached baseball, basketball, football, golf and volleyball. Tom met and married Lynne M. (Balcom) Rumsey on March 21, 1986 in Muskegon and they have been long time residents of the area. Tom was an avid reader, energetic entrepreneur, small business owner and had worked part time at the pro shop at Water's Edge Golf Course in Fremont. He was an enthusiastic Michigan Wolverines fan, loved sports, enjoyed playing golf and pickleball with friends in Michigan and Arizona. He was a member of the Fremont Pickleball Club and served on the development committee where he played and integral part in the development and establishment of the club's outdoor courts. Tom was a beloved teacher, friend, mentor and always had joke, a great story and encouraging word. Even after suffering a diving accident in 2020 that left him paralyzed he continued to inspire and have a positive impact on those he came in contact with. Tom and Lynne are immensely grateful for the amazing love and support they have received from family, friends and the wonderful staff of the Cottages at Martin Lake over the last year. He will be greatly missed by many. Tom is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lynne of Fremont; children, grandchildren and great grandchildren – Daughter, Jamie Lash of Fremont and family - granddaughter, Allegra (Will Haynes) Lash and their children (great grandchildren), Addilyn and Liam, grandson, Danny Lash and his daughter (great granddaughter), Letty. Daughter, Monica Rumsey of Whitehall and her family – grandchildren, Jack Tucker, Max Tucker, Lucy Tucker, Charlie Tucker. Son, Bobby (Rachel) Rumsey of Hesperia and his family – granddaughter, Hillary (Erik) Wallstrom, granddaughter, Deborah (Logan) Sweet. Daughter, Jill (Aaron) Priebe of South Haven and family – grandchildren, Cooper, Priebe, Elizabeth Priebe, Graham Priebe. Sisters, Marisue (Tom) Garzelloni of Norton Shores; Wendy (Rod) Veltman of Twin Lake; several nieces, nephews, cousins; special aunts, Shirley Shlaffer of Muskegon and Dolly Rudd; many special teaching friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Rita; special uncle, James Shlaffer; special cousin, Charlie Sechen, great nephew, Drew Grasman. CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICES : Sunday, May 22, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Water's Edge Golf Course 1100 Ramshorn Drive Fremont MI 49412 ⛳Please bring your BEST stories to share. We will have time to connect, nibble and share our love for the big guy. It's still so hard to believe he is gone.. But he would want us to gather and have a good laugh/cry. So that's what we plan on doing and we sure hope you can make it. 💞 ⛳In lieu of flowers, we wanted to let you know about something pretty special. The Outwin-Shlaffer Middle School Special Project Fund, checks payable to the Hesperia Public Schools. ⛳This fund will provide monetary assistance each school year for middle school classroom teachers and students in support of an approved project that will enhance and expand student learning within or outside of their classroom. ⛳This fund is also tax deductible. Donation envelopes will be available on the 22nd. Please consider supporting this fund, we think it would be the perfect way to honor Tom's memory. #tomURloved #tgunns #TeamTom #specialprojectfund #GoBlue #feelfreetoshare Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Shlaffer family online at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. 231-924-0800 To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Thomas J. Shlaffer, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Celebration Of Life Water's Edge Golf Course Sunday, May 22, 2022 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM 1100 Ramshorn Drive Fremont, MI 49412