Thomas R. Vosteen

Thomas R. Vosteen, 80, of Iowa City, passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 30, 2024. Born on February 7, 1944, in Buffalo, New York, to B. Earle and Mary (Sinclair) Vosteen, Tom was destined for a life filled with French flair and a lot of laughs.

Tom’s journey began at Medina High School in Medina, New York. From there, he moved on to Dartmouth College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in French. Not one to stop there, Tom collected a Master’s Degree in French from Middlebury College, another Master’s in French and Education from the University of Iowa, and ultimately, a Ph.D. in French from the University of Iowa. Clearly, Tom believed you could never have too many degrees—or too much French.

A lifelong educator, Tom taught French with passion and humor, retiring as a Professor Emeritus from Eastern Michigan University. His students undoubtedly left his classes knowing French and, more importantly, knowing how to laugh at life.

On February 10, 1990, Tom married Michele Favre in Iowa City. They made their home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before they settled back in Iowa City, after retirement.

Tom leaves behind his loving wife, Michele; stepdaughter, Sandrine (John) Gabriel; and grandchildren: Jackson, Katherine, and Sophie Gabriel. He also leaves his “sister” and lifelong friend, Peggy Hart Nelson; nephews, Bob, Bill, Jim, John and David Vosteen and niece, Anne Vanderveen. 

Preceding him in this great journey were his brothers, Robert Vosteen and The Reverend J. Peter Vosteen; and a nephew, Jim Vosteen.

Tom was a loving husband, grandfather, and friend who loved to laugh and share joy. He was quoted in his later years saying, “Being alive is about loving people. Without love, what do you have?” It’s clear that Tom lived his life by these words, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. So raise a glass, share a laugh, and remember Tom as the joyful, witty, and loving man he was. Cheers to a life well-lived, Tom!

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Family and friends are invited to attend Tom’s graveside committal service on Friday, Oct. 4 at 9:30AM in Boxwood Cemetery. Following the committal, all are welcome to join the family for a celebration of life luncheon from 11AM-4PM at Zambistro Restaurant, 408 Main St., Medina.