Thomas "Tom" Close

1943 - 2023

Feb. 8, 1943 – Nov. 17, 2023
FAIRBANK - Thomas Close, 80, of Fairbank passed away Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, after a tough battle with cancer. Tom passed at his home surrounded by his family.
Tom was born in Waterloo, to the late Orville and Edith Close on Feb. 8, 1943.
Tom married Linda Evans on Feb. 13, 1960. For several years he worked in the auto body repair business. In the summer of 1988 Tom and Linda opened and ran Toms Paint & Body – Radiator Repair, in Jesup until their retirement in 2007.
Tom enjoyed his home on the Mississippi river, fishing, ice fishing, cutting and splitting wood, hunting, trapping, mushroom hunting and coin hunting. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Tom had unique way of drawing people close.
Making them feel as part of his family.
Tom is survived by his wife Linda of 63 years; his children, Scott (Julie) Close of Jesup, Penny (Matt) Hill of Fairbank, Wendy (Darrell) Franck of Fairbank, Cindy (Brent) Klendworth of Fairbank, Ed Close of Littleton, Suelyn (Rusty) Boies of Jesup; 18 grandkids; 31 great-grandkids and one great-great-grandchild; and his siblings, Connie (Vern) Trask of Waverly, Dar (Jon) Flaig of Waverly, and Al (Merilee) Close of Ferryville, Wisconsin.
Tom is proceeded in death by his parents Orville and Edith Close, sister-in-law Cindy Close and nephew Chad Close.
At Tom's request, a celebration of life will be held Sunday, Nov. 26 from 2-7 p.m. at the American Legion in Fairbank.
He welcomes everyone to share in one last beer with him. Feel free to bring a memorable story of Tom to share if you choose.