Thomas William "Tom" Stava

Thomas "Tom" Stava, age 67, of Gary, SD passed away at his sister's home near Marshall, MN while on hospice care on Friday, October 10, 2025. Arrangements are currently pending and will be announced at a later date.
Thomas William Stava, aka "Uncle Tom," "Chef Thomas," or Tom, of Gary, SD, was born on September 5, 1958 in Dawson, MN, to Rhoda and Bill Stava. He died on October 10, 2025 under hospice care in rural Marshall, MN.
Tom grew up in Marietta, MN, graduating from high school in 1977. His childhood was filled with sports activities, mowing lawns for the widowed ladies in Marietta and carousing with his buddies. He attended college at SMSU in Marshall for 3 years majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management but didn't finish because he said he "already knew" all that academia could teach him. He went on to work as a chef, primarily for the Marriott corporation for many years, traveling the country to many different states-his favorite was the state of Tennessee. In 2010, he returned to Minnesota, and then relocated to Gary, SD in 2015 where he worked at Buffalo Ridge for several years until his retirement at the age of 62.
He was known for his quick wit, his dry sense of humor, love of sports, politics, anything controversial, and his loyalty to his friends and family. In his later years Tom could be seen driving around Gary in his golfcart, checking out the town and barbecuing for his friends at the Buffalo Ridge campground. He especially loved the 4th of July celebrations!
Tom is survived by his siblings: John Stava (Julie) of NSW Australia, sisters, Katie Stava Keller of Waite Park, MN and Terri Otto (Bill) of Marshall, MN; 7 nieces and 1 nephew and numerous "grands."
He is preceded in death by his father William Stava, mother Rhoda Wittenebel, stepdad Jerry Wittnebel, and sister Joan Stava.
Blessed be his memory.