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Thomas Colwell Obituary

Thomas C. Colwell 1928 2010 Thomas C. Colwell, formerly of Aurora, died on his 82nd birthday at home in Osceola, Iowa after a 25 year battle with prostate cancer. He was born January 22, 1928 to Edward and Edna (Kelly) Colwell in Aurora, Illinois. Tom graduated from Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, and served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was married to his wife Arlene for 60 years. Tom was an Eagle Scout. He worked for Equipto and Aurora Metal in Aurora. He worked for the City of Wenatchee, WA as the electrical inspector. During his retirement they spent most winters in Mesa, AZ or going on one of the 21 cruises they enjoyed. While living in Aurora, Tom coached basketball at St. Peter's School in Aurora and was a member of the Men's Club. He was also a member of the American Legion in Osceola. Tom was a great husband, father, grandfather, greatpapa and friend. He will be remembered for his wonderful laugh. Survivors include his wife, Arlene (Millen) Colwell; sons, Kenneth (Mary) Colwell of Davenport, IA, Timothy (Barbara) Colwell of Lakewood, WA, Daniel (Lynda) Colwell of Osceola, IA and James (Ron) Colwell of Renton, WA; daughters, Karen (Jeffrey) Phillips of Big Rock, IL and Maureen (Stephen) Olson of West Chicago, IL; eight grandchildren: Aaron (Gwen) Colwell, Michael (Christine) Phillips, Jonathan Colwell, Benjamin Colwell, Stephanie (Justin) Sommers, Nicholas Colwell, Kyle Olson and Megan Olson; one great-granddaughter, Madelyn Phillips; his brother, Paul (Betty) Colwell of Aurora, IL; and his sister, Rosemary Fatten of Sacramento, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, eldest daughter, Sharon; and two brothers, William and Neil Colwell. A memorial Mass will be held Friday, January 29, 2010 at 12:00 PM at St. Joseph Church. Fr. Jerome Leake will officiate with interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday morning from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour at St. Joseph Church, 405 St. Joseph Av., Aurora, IL. 60505. Funeral arrangements are being handled by The Daleiden Mortuary, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora. 630/631-5500 or visit our website at www.daleidenmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa, 715 W. McLane St., Suite 100, Osceola, IA. 50213, the American Cancer Society, St. Peter's School, St. Joseph School or to the charity of the donor's choice.

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Published by Beacon News from Jan. 24 to Jan. 27, 2010.

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January 28, 2010

Dear Arlene and Family, We were very sad to hear about Tom's passing. we will miss him very much, but not as much as you all will, I'm sure. What a wonderful man, husband, father, and grandfather he was. We will especially miss his gentle nature, his great sense of humor, and his wonderful infectious laugh that he had. Betsy and I cherished your annual drop in visits over the years! We read the obituary and were impressed that the two of you managed to squeeze in 21 cruises! What a blessing it is that you got to spend so much time together having so much fun together! We are very sorry that we won't be able to be personally there for the service tomorrow--but please know that we will be there in spirit, love, and condolences. We will miss him greatly!

Love Dave, Betsy, and all of us at Columbia Pediatrics

Kevin Baxter

January 27, 2010

Mrs. Cowell my sincerest sympathy to you and the children on your loss. Mr. Cowell touched many lives of young men, such as myself, as coach at St. Pete's over the years and many of us have not forgotten.

January 27, 2010

We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing.
Many memories of you here in Trailriders.
Our prayers are with you.
Mel and Jan Meister

January 27, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to Arlene and the family. Years ago I knew Arlene when I was a nurse at St. Charles Hospital. My husband John and I visited with you in your home on Jericho Road. Our prayers are with you! John and Dorothy Koteles.

Jeff and Judy Mackey

January 26, 2010

With deepest sympathy at your time of loss,I will always remember Tom's puzzled look at Tim and I when we put that old 54 Chevy back together and pushed it up and down Jericho Road until it started.Arlene,whom I'll always call mom my sympathy.
Jeff Mackey

Barbara Peck

January 26, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Ron Lenert

January 24, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing! My sympathy and prayers go to Arlene and all his family! As for Tom, I know that he has achieved his reward in Heaven with Jesus Christ.

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