Thomas Ray Hanigan

Thomas Ray Hanigan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother
passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the MHP Serenity Hospice House in Oskaloosa,
Iowa. He was born on June 25, 1953 in Olean, New York, the son of Kenneth and Barbara Jean
(Buckhout) Hanigan. He attended high school in Arvin, California and graduated with the Class
of 1971.
Tom met Nancy Reed and together raised their children Darcie, Lisa, Melissa, and Jennifer, later
adding another daughter, CJ Claira.
Tom was united in marriage to Heather Bowersock on June 25, 2016 at the Keomah Lodge at
the Lake Keomah State Park.
Tom was employed at a winery to start his working life. Later he went to work for Pella
Regional Health Center for over 20 years and worked for Stericycle for 17 years and retired.
He loved to go fishing and camping and was an avid reader. He also loved woodworking and
making bird houses and planters. Fireworks were one of his favorite things, especially
firecrackers. Tom also loved spending time with family and traveling.
Tom was an organ donor. He would be pleased to know his eyes are saving the sight of two
other people.
In the words of his brother Kenny, " The world will now be more quiet and somber and we will
all miss his laughter."
Tom is survived by his wife, Heather Hanigan; his children, Darcie Jones, Lisa (Shanon)
Brackelsberg, Jennifer Hanigan, Melissa (Chris) Roorda and C.J. Claira Thurman;
his stepchildren, Ashley Corson, Amanda (Zachary) Cunningham, Amy (Collin) Caves
and Jordan Zook; his grandchildren, Tori Thompson, Jada West, Tanner (Shyanne)
Brackelsberg, Seth Vance, Avery Roorda, Kynlei Cavan, Tatum Roorda, Ava Brackelsberg,
Boston Roorda, Hailey Brackelsberg, Hunter Brackelsberg, Orion Cavan, Raylynn Brackelsberg,
Willow Roorda, Justin (Brooke) Thurman, Jordan Thurman, Jacob Nagel, Jaxon Nagel,
Tristan Corson, Brileigh Corson and Scarlett Cunningham; his great grandchildren,
Amaya Thompson, Aspen La Follette, Justine Brackelsberg, Oakley Brackelsberg,
Carter Norris, Remington Thurman and Odin Thurman; his siblings, Kenneth Lee Hanigan
and Jeanne Vanderpool as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Richard Mettler, one niece and 2 nephews,
and a son-in-law, Steve Jones.
As was his wish, cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Heather
Hanigan.