Dr. Thomas Jefferson Reigel Jr.

Dr. Tom was born in Pontiac Michigan to Jesse Grace (Lewis) and Thomas Jefferson Reigel, a well adored young man who loved water sports and dogs; his heritage of Irish-Scottish and German he often claimed being a 'mutt' too. Tom entered medical school at University of Michigan and pursued Pediatrics and his eventual wife Esther, who met him on a swim picnic between fraternity and sorority groups. They were wed in 1953 and had a family of three girls: E. Elizabeth Reigel, Laura C. Ford, and Wendy K. Storey. After serving in Berlin Germany as an Army Physician, Dr. Reigel settled his family in Kalamazoo where he became the founding partner for Rambling Road Pediatrics with Doctors Stewart, Kercher, and Skellenger. He became a well loved and admired pediatrician, promoting children's health in SW Michigan and was devoted to caring for his patients – viewing the care of child and parent as his privilege and calling. He was a Master's Swimmer and competed locally and internationally in the Senior league well into his 70's. He continued to swim for pleasure up until a month before he entered Glory. His professional accomplishments were many, yet he was humble about his skills considering them a gift from God and due to his up bringing by his parents. Tom helped to initiate the Free Health Clinic at First Presbyterian Church, was instrumental in the formation of the Family Health Center in Kalamazoo, and Southwest Michigan Area Health Education Corporation (SMAHEC) which later launched the Medical School Initiative between Bronson and Borgess Hospitals. He taught his skills as a physician to both Michigan State and University of Michigan (his alma mater) medical students. He enjoyed woodworking, fly fishing ties, reading, and pies (apple his favorite) – but most of all enjoyed his girls and his grandchildren. He lived a rich life and was a scholar. He left a legacy of love and caring for others and often lived his faith in quiet and unassuming ways. Dr. Tom was active as a community leader and advocate for youth; he helped initiate Young Life in the area believing it would benefit adolescents to develop a life of faith. He served as Elder, Deacon, and lay missionary for Second Reformed and First Presbyterian Churches and was a Free Mason. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Esther, and son in law Jeff Ford. He is survived by his family; daughters: E. Elizabeth Reigel, Laura C Ford, and Wendy K. Storey, son in law Don Storey, Grandchildren: Meryem (Steve) Cocciardi, Martin Akram, Thomas (Miranda) Ford, Jessegrace Ford, Erin (Jack) Terpstra, Christopher (Robyn) Storey, and three great grandchildren Amilio Cocciardi, Lilian and Graham Terpstra. His family looks forward to sharing memories of his legacy and life with you at a later date once the COVID19 quarantine is behind us. Dr. Tom believed in medical science and the importance of a healthy lifestyle – his daughters hope you will remember him fondly as they do: a man who lived with love, vigor, and faith, and who extended a hand of friendship to all. His gift to the world: a life lived in absolute love and infinite devotion. Please visit Dr. Tom's personalized online guestbook at https://www.langelands.com