Render, Thomas of Alpena, Michigan was called to his heavenly home on April 2, 2021 at the age of 72 after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones. Tom will be dearly missed by his loving wife Patty, children Emil (Angie), Christina (Stephen), and Fred (Mindy), mother Grace, grandchildren Chase, Ella, Caleb, Christian, Kate, and Cole, loving sisters Sue, Sandy, and Sharon, and many extended family members. Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all. Tom was an incredibly successful man, not in accumulated earthly goods, but in his unyielding faith in his Savior and in his great love for his family and fellow man. He was married to the wife of his youth, Patty, for 52 years. They faced many hardships throughout their years together, but the deep love they had for each other remained strong. Tom's children and grandchildren will forever cherish the blessing he was in their lives. He was their biggest champion, supporter, and friend. Tom taught his children by the way he lived his life with integrity, honor, and strength. Tom served his country in the United States Navy for 10 years. Following his time in the military, he owned and operated Render's Restaurant of Bridgeport, Michigan. Not only did he serve exceptional food to his customers, he treated them and his employees like family. He always had an encouraging word and wished the very best for everyone he encountered. Hard work, honesty, generosity, and service to others were only a few of Tom's many guiding qualities. He had a quirky sense of humor that brought joy to all who knew him. He was a lover of gadgets, collector of tools, and an avid reader. Tom was genuinely interested in everyone he met. With his gracious personality, Tom made others feel heard and loved. A Celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in memory of Tom can be made to the cancer support organization Friends Together of Alpena, Michigan.
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Sponsored by The Family.
5 Entries
So very sorry for your Loss. My friend and I were just talking about going to Render's for dinner. We couldn't remember at first where our children used to get the cow cups. But, It all came rushing back to us when I remembered.... A busy Sunday afternoon and our children so impatiently had a cow cup fight, Chocolate and White milk every where. Mr. Render came quickly with napkins and said, "someday mom's you'll look back and wish they were still fighting with cow cups!" So very true now that they are almost in their 30's
The minute I saw that smile on his photo I new exactly who he was. Beautiful caring smile.
Nicole Stamper-Corbin
Other
June 24, 2021
When Tom had Render's Restaurant I was a greeter and seater for the waitresses! I was only a short time but Tom was always a great personality! I had wondered what happened to him and now sad to find had passed away! Sincerest sympathies to the Render family and friends!
Sheila (Bosley) Burk
Coworker
April 30, 2021
He was a good friend to my family and I if we needed anything he was there. The world was a better place with Tom in it.
Bert Harris
Friend
April 18, 2021
Tom and I were Masonic Lodge brothers and had many conversations about life in general. When he became Worshipful Master we did quite a bit of traveling to different Lodges in the area. Am sure going to miss him. To the family I wish you my condolences and thank you for allowing Tom to serve our community.
casey foutch
April 17, 2021
My first job was as a bus boy/dishwasher at Render's. Tom was always walking the floor asking how the food was, chatting with everyone like he was your best friend, and making sure everything was spotless, qualities that are sadly missing in a lot of today's restaurants. He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences go out to the family.
Troy Foutch
Coworker
April 16, 2021
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