Thomas Gastmeier, Sr.’s faith journey began at the baptismal font of the original Trinity church on Dickenson. He grew up in the church and attended Trinity’s school for several years. However, his faith grew most after Lisa Riviera, director of Human Care, asked Tom to help with Trinity’s food pantry. For several years, he’s helped package food for the needy families who request help from Trinity. That task led to a deeper faith and a renewed heart in God.
Tom was part of one of the first classes to attend Trinity Lutheran School. After several years, he moved on and eventually graduated from Mount Clemens High School. Following that, he went to work, married the late Sue, and spent most of his years working seven days a week to support his family. Tom called those years a “sabbatical” from church, but he credits his daughter-in-law and Trinity kindergarten teacher Andrea Gastmeier for bringing the family back to where it all started for him.
“Andrea was big into church up in Gaylord where she lived. After my son, Mike, and Andrea were married, they started going to church here. They would come to church with my wife and my sister-in-law, Zula. I didn’t go until I was retired,” Tom said.
However, once Andrea and Mike had their children, coming to Trinity meant they could also see their grandchildren and be part of their faith journey as well.
Service is part of Tom’s life. Even after he retired, he continued to work.
“After the kids had grown and moved out, the wife’s like, ‘I’m going crazy at home’ and went out and got a job at H&R Block. A friend of mine who worked at a grinding shop asked me to come work with him and drive a hi-lo a few days a week,” Tom said.
When they weren’t working, the Gastmeiers traveled. He said they visited all 50 states, traveled for a HARP (Helping Appalachian Rural People) mission and saw so many thingsalong the way. However, Sue’s health began to fail. After a life of diabetes, her organs became strained and she was placed on dialysis for her struggling kidneys. Sue passed away on Sept. 8, 2023.
Adjusting to a quiet lifestyle was difficult. Tom was Sue’s full-time caregiver and oncebusy days were suddenly a lot less busy. Trinity’s Director of Human Care Lisa Riviera asked him to help with Trinity’s Food Pantry to fill some of his time.
“I didn’t think twice about it. I thought it was a great idea,” Tom said, who took to the process and enjoys helping those who call in for food assistance. When the church office needs support during staff meetings, Tom steps up. And he said being involved with his church changed his relationship with the church and with God.
“Trinity is the last place I saw my wife. I love to be here. It’s where I get to praise God and worship with my family.” said Tom. “And I appreciate the fact that I’m allowed to serve him in other ways, like when I get to be here and help other people.”