Thomas James Muessel

TAMPA, Fla. - Thomas James Muessel, 54, our loving son, husband, brother, and uncle, passed away June 10, 2012, in Tampa, Fla.

Tom was born the third of eight children in Omaha on Aug. 24, 1957. He was a graduate of Norfolk High School. Tom started out at the Norfolk Daily News and Grand Island Independent, moving to Colorado, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Connecticut for the love of his career as a newspaper man and production director for a variety of newspapers. On Sept. 15, 1987, Tom married the love of his life, Helen Newman. Tom was an active man who enjoyed golf and fishing. He was an avid Husker fan. Tom enjoyed his many pets and was thankful to have his dog, Macey, keep him company during his illness.

Tom is survived by his wife, Helen of Tampa, Fla.; his father, Ronald Muessel, and wife, Judy, of Austin, Texas; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike and Jane Muessel of Grand Island, Steve and Juddy Muessel of Norfolk and Mark and Wanda Muessel of Corpus Christi, Texas; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Michelle Muessel and partner, Nina Storey, of Leicester, England, Brenda Muessel of Austin, Texas, and Chris and Keith Miertschin of Giddings, Texas.

Other survivors include numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Muessel, and sister, Mary Jane Muessel.

A private memorial service will be held by the family in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Memorials are suggested to the ALS Association.

You may sign the online guestbook at theindependent.com.