Cover photo for Thomas 'Tom' Thomas's Obituary
Thomas 'Tom' Thomas Profile Photo
1918 Thomas 2011

Thomas 'Tom' Thomas

July 10, 1918 — November 18, 2011

Thomas 'Tom' Thomas, the son of Walter H. and Hilda Thomas, was born on July 10, 1918, in Spencer, Iowa. He graduated from the Spencer school system in 1936, and enrolled at Carlton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and graduated with a B.A. Degree in Business Administration. Following his graduation, Tom worked briefly at Northwest Federal during WW II, and then established a finance and insurance firm in Spencer called Thomas Thomas, Inc. He was active in this firm until he retired in 1983. Tom was known to many as a man of wit and dry humor. He was active in the community, serving on the Spencer City Council and School Board. He was Chairman of the building committee when the new YMCA was built in the early 60's. He also served on the Board of Director's and President of the YMCA. Tom was instrumental in moving the Spencer Golf and Country Club to its present location west of town. Golfing was one of his passions and was a lifelong member of the Club. He enjoyed handball and tennis. Tom was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church and sang in the church choir for 25 years. Yes, he loved to sing and he helped organize the Spencer Barbershop Chorus and sang in several Barbershop Quartets. As his family was growing up, he and Edie became interested in skiing and helped organize a Spencer Ski Club. Tom loved animals, all animals, especially horses and dogs. He had a barn built behind his home and cared for horses for many years, enjoying the care giving as much as the riding. He always had a pet dog. On April 18, 1941, Tom married Edith Carstensen, and the two were devoted to each other for 68 years until Edie died in 2009. They raised six children: Pam and her husband, Chuck Pohar of Spencer, IA, Mary and her husband, Jerry Beck of Spencer, IA, Lori Thomas and her friend, Steve Pearson of Spirit Lake, IA, Walt Thomas and his wife, Melanie of Council Bluffs, IA, John Thomas and his wife, Marie of Everly, IA, and Jeff Thomas and his friend, Janna Lorenz Mugge of Spencer, IA; 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; an aunt, Minnie Quarnberg (almost 111 years old); many other relatives and friends. Tom passed away at his home on Friday, November 18, 2011, at the age of 93. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Edith (Edie) in 2009; one brother, Keith Thomas; and one sister, Maxine Howe.
SERVICES
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at the First Congregational Church in Spencer. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the Spencer Family YMCA or the People For Pets.
OFFICIATING
Rev. Thomas Van Tassell Rev. Wendy Van Tassell
CASKET BEARERS
Elizabeth Beck Drew Pohar Darrin Pohar Ben Thomas Julia Katzenmeier Martha Thomas Seth Thomas Connor Thomas Josie Thomas Tark Thomas Tanner Thomas
VISITATION
The family will greet friends from 9:30 A.M., Wednesday until the time of the service at the First Congregational Church in Spencer.
MUSIC
'I Believe' 'You'll Never Walk Alone' By Bill Lauritzen PIANIST: Ray Meyer
INTERMENT
Riverside Cemetery Spencer, Iowa Trumpet Solo following the graveside services: "Happy Trails" by Jack Ryan
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas 'Tom' Thomas, please visit our flower store.

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