Thomas Dracht, Jr.

Thomas Dracht, Jr., age 68, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026. 

After graduating from Jenison High School, Tom earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Western Michigan University and his master’s at Eastern Michigan University. He competed in track and field over the span of his high school and undergraduate education, setting a record in the long jump in 1976 at Jenison that has held for fifty years. He was a licensed builder throughout his career, starting as an industrial arts teacher at East Jackson High School, where he taught for twelve years. He continued with industrial arts and expanded to building trades at Jenison High School, instructing there for twenty-two years. He was a dedicated member of Grace Community Church in Hudsonville, serving as a deacon for a number of years and taking the lead in Kids Club, teaching children about a relationship with Jesus. 

Preceded in death by his father, Thomas Dracht Sr.; mother, Winona Dracht; and brother, Doug Dracht. Lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years, Marilyn; his children, Corrine (Drew) Helder, Nathan (Brittany) Dracht, Danae (Shane) Finnegan, and Brielle Dracht; and seven grandchildren: Brayden, Maelyn, Trennan, Rilyn, Thea, Tommy, and Nathan; along with his brothers, Donald (Carol) Dracht and David Dracht; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sande (Stan) Corfman-Johnson, Dana (Kevin) Moore, and Dale (Martha) Corfma

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Grace Community Church, 3500 New Holland St., Hudsonville, with Pastor Nathaniel Walker and Pastor Scott Green officiating. Burial with immediate family will take place at Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Thursday from 6-7 pm at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice.