Thomas Lee Gray

1937 - 2025

Thomas Lee Gray

September 21, 1937 - September 3, 2025

Thomas Lee Gray (age 87, of Sioux City, Iowa) passed away on Wednesday, September 3, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3204 S Lakeport St, Sioux City, IA, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, with a luncheon to be served back at the church.

Tom, the son of Thelma and Clarence "Bud" Gray, was born on September 21, 1937, in Sioux City, Iowa. After graduating from Central High School in 1956, he worked for Container Corporation. In May of 1960, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, spending 18 months of his service stationed in Germany. Over his six years of service, he attained the rank of sergeant. In September of 1962, Tom began working at Record Printing Company, where he was later joined by his wife-June. He remained with the company until his retirement in 2008.

He loved to tell the story of how he met the love of his life, June, in September of 1962. While driving with a friend, he saw her walking and asked if she'd like a ride. She accepted. Later, June told him she agreed because she felt safe with him-a feeling that never left her. From that moment on, it was clear they were meant to be. On May 8, 1964, they were united in marriage at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sioux City. They made their home in Sioux City for eight years before moving to a small acreage outside of Moville, where they enjoyed 17 years of country life before returning to Sioux City. Along the way, they were blessed with three children: Kevin, Kelly, and Kari.

Tom enjoyed the outdoors-spending summer days working in the backyard with June, or in the stands cheering for his grandchildren at their many sporting events. You would very seldom see June without Tom or Tom without June; together, they were inseparable. Their marriage personified love, commitment, and togetherness, setting an enduring example for their family. After June's passing, Tom courageously stepped into the role of being the steady center of the family, offering love, guidance, and strength to those who needed him most.

A kind and quiet man, Tom was deeply loved by his children and grandchildren. He found joy in supporting each of his grandchildren in their unique interests, whether it was on the field, in school, or in life's everyday moments. His family will always remember him as a steady, loving presence who cared deeply for those around him.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Kevin (Andrea) Gray of Sioux City and Kelly (Hollie) Gray of Moville; daughter, Kari (Stacy) Sauerbrei of Worthington, MN; eight grandchildren: Kobey, Easton, Halle, Karsen, Payton, Triston, Josh, and Kenlie; one great-grandchild, Nova; and his brother, Don Gray of Sioux City.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Leon Dandurand; sister, Carol Deignan; and brother-in-law, Jim Deignan.

All who knew Tom were blessed by his kindness, steadiness, and love. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and he will be dearly missed. While his warmth and compassion can never be replaced, his family takes comfort in knowing he is reunited with June.

Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel