Retired district judge dies at age 84

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Pieter G. V. Thomassen, who served for 26 years as a district court judge in Ann Arbor, died July 13 at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, Fla., at the age of 84.

Thomassen, who earned his bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees at the University of Michigan where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, was first elected as a judge in 1968 when the District Court system was introduced in the state.

He was a member of the American Judges Association (Board of Governors), the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Washtenaw County Bar Association.

He enjoyed golf, sailing, and fishing; was a member of Trout Unlimited and a member of the Ann Arbor and Anna Maria Rotary Clubs and the Key Royale Golf Club in Holmes Beach. He loved people, parties and University of Michigan sports and became a gourmet cook in his later years.

Thomassen is survived by his wife Eleanor; four children, eight grandchildren; and a sister.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions will be welcomed by Tidewell Hospice of Southwest Florida: 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238 (specify funds for Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton).