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Thomas Thode Obituary
Thomas J. Thode
, age 45 and a resident of Long Beach, came to the end of a long, brave battle with cancer on July 10, 2005, in Long Beach.Mr. Thode was a native of Ft. Dodge, Iowa, and retired after 25 years in the U. S. Navy.
Mr. Thode was preceded in death by his father, William Harold Thode; and a brother, Dan Thode. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn A. Thode, of Long Beach; mother, Betty Thode, of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; sons, Thomas Thode and Ryan Thode, both of Long Beach; daughters, Lynne (Daniel) McWatters, of Hawaii; and Karen (Chris) Daniels, of Long Beach; brothers, David (Debbie) Thode, Bob (Karen) Thode, all of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; and Richard (Lynn) Thode, of Ames, Iowa; sisters, Jane Roe, Joan Thode, both of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; and Jill (Dean) Groat, of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; and one grandchild; and a friend, Bridgette Keim.
Visitation will be at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue in Gulfport, on Thursday, July 14, 2005, from 11:30 a.m. until the service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. in the National Cemetery in Biloxi.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.
An online guest book may be signed and viewed via riemannfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Thode
Bridgett Keim
July 10, 2007
Marilyn and children,
A quick note to let you know that I am thinking of all of you on this day. I hope you know that you are loved deeply and that I am praying for God to comfort you.
Lovingly,
Bridgett
Karen Daniels
June 20, 2007
Hi Dad,
Just wanted to say Happy Father's Day. We miss you soooo much. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. Love you always, Karen.
January 3, 2007
Tom, this is the second Xmas and New Year since you have been gone and I miss you more with each passing one. It gives me a lot of comfort reading these entries and knowing I am not alone in missing and loving you so very much. There will never be anyone else quite like you and I was the fortunate one to have had you in my life and I will always be forever grateful for that. Love you for ever. Marilyn
Bridgett Keim
December 21, 2006
Another Cristmas is fast approaching without our dear loved one. I pray the warm memories of Tom fill the holes in his family and friends hearts. Someday soon we will be with him again and until then he will truely and deeply be missed.
God's blessings to Marilyn and children. You are thought of each and every single day. We are all so fortunate to have known such an oustanding, kind and decendant man.
Lovingly,
Karen Daniels
August 1, 2006
Dad,
Today is your birthday, and we wish you were here with us. You are missed terribly and in our thoughts every single day. I love you very, very much.
Bridgett Keim
August 1, 2006
Good-morning! Just a quick note to wish you another "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"! I think of you and yours everyday. I miss our friendship more than words can say and miss you even MORE!
Lynne
July 17, 2006
Dad,
You have been gone a year, which sometimes feels like an eternity and other times it seems like yesterday. I think about you everyday, a couple times a day. I usually smile at first but then start to tear up, I miss you so much, but with each day it is getting a little easier. When I want to smile I think of your laugh........you had such a unique laugh that always made me smile. I miss you dad, so very much, I never knew how much it would hurt not to have you here. But we are all living our lives they way you would have wanted us to. I love you!
Karen Thode
July 10, 2006
It has been a year since Tom passed away. I remember waking up in the morning and Bob was out back working on the shed. When Bob came in the house, I could tell something was wrong. There was only one other time I had seen Bob like this and it was when he told me about his dad passing away. I was then told that Tom was no longer suffering...the cancer may have taken his body but we will always have the memories of the man that cancer can't take away. We have made the Relay for Life an important part of our lives and will continue to do so to commemorate your life that was ended too quickly. love you always, Bob, Karen, Tiffany and Stephanie
Bridgett Keim
July 10, 2006
Somedays it seems like yesterday since Tom departed to heaven and other days it seems so much longer. I miss him tremendously and think and pray for his family daily. It has never been easy for any of them nor will it ever be. I just some how think we all come to a better understanding because he would want us to. With tomorrow being the first year without you I pray that you will let those who love you the most know that you are in deed safe and happy. I miss you my dear friend and I am so fortunate to have known you. I still have the "sappy" e-mail you sent me and will keep it and treasure it forever. Your words meant so much then and they do so now.
YOU ARE DEEPLY MISSED!
Bridgett
Marilyn Thode
June 17, 2006
Tom, I know you are up in heaven still looking after us all and we just wanted to wish you a Happy Father's Day to the best Dad and Husband in the world. We miss you so much. You will always be in our hearts for ever. Marilyn and Kids
Marilyn Thode
June 16, 2006
Tom, we all miss you terribly but wanted to say Happy Father's Day to you and hope you will be with us in spirit. You were the best husband and a great father to our children and we thank you for that. We were so blessed to have you in our life! Marilyn, Lynne, Karen, Ryan and Thomas. Never forget you and always love you very very much.
Bridgett Keim
December 11, 2005
I have shared this with Marilyn in a special way and wish to share the same with Tom's family and dear friends:
I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love on cold
wintery nights.
I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you to please say
your prayers.
I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd.
Keep trying each moment
to stay in his grace
I came here before you to help
set your place.
You don't have to be perfect
all of the time
He forgives you the slip
if you continue to climb.
To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
in a new special way.
I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
cause I'm sprnding Christmas
with Jesus this year.
To all who read this please remember to hold Marilyn and children tightly in your prayers this holiday season.
Gods blessings to all
Lynn Thode
August 20, 2005
I did not get to spend as much time with Tom as I would have liked, but I what I will always remember is his sense of humor. He always seemed to find a way to make you laugh. The idea of not seeing him again makes me so sad; and then I remember how he made me smile. That is how I will always remember him.
Bridgett Keim
August 1, 2005
On this day I just wanted to remind you that I could never forget the "wonderful" friend you've been to me, there aren't many friends as "special" as you. We all miss the warm and loving way you brightened our days. I know that you are here always looking over all of us, you now just have a "much better view". So "Happy Birthday" my far away friend and remember not a day goes by that I don't think of you.
alan crawford
July 26, 2005
so very sorry to lose a loving member of our family.Tom will be sadly missed by everyone who met him in his lifetime, especially all our family. He was a very special guy in all our lives. We send our deepest condolances and hope Marilyn,Lynne,Karen,Tom and Ryan can start another life without their loving husband and father. Both Pamela and I wish we could be with you all at this very sad time. Our prayers are, and always will be with you. Love from Alan and Pamela.
Al and Jan Deal
July 26, 2005
Our hearts go out to the Thode Family. I remember growing up with Tom and his siblings. I always remember him as being a quiet kid. Words cannot express our sympathy at the loss of such a wonderful indiviual at such a young age. Memories drift back to those days when the family lived north of the Playmor in Fort Dodge. Such a long time has transpired since those early days and the lifelong friendships that have resulted. Tom's passing is a tragic loss for us all and the world is poorer for it. Still, he will not be forgotten and the memories of yesteryear treasured in our hearts forever.
lorraine law
July 22, 2005
aunt Marilyn + family, you are always in our thoughts and prayers.Reading all the lovely words about Tom make it clear what a very special man he was, you are a remarkable family and Tom will be proudly smiling down over you all. Love always lorraine, alan +family.x
Dave Joyner
July 22, 2005
To the Thode family: No words can express your pain dealing with the loss of someone so loved by so many. I worked with Tom at NCTC Gulfport, MS. He was a leader of men, a friend, and just a great person to be around. He helped greatly with talks about life and living it after I lost my son. I will trully miss him. God bless all of you. Just reading the guest book is a small snap shot of the lives this great man touched.
Sincerely,
CWO2 Dave Joyner
Joe Slovensky
July 21, 2005
I knew Tom when I was at CBU 403 Annapolis, MD from 1996-1999. He was a superb Senior Chief and wonderful friend. In short, Tom was a great man. My condolences to his family, because I know he'll be genuinly missed.
Bill Bailey
July 21, 2005
Marilyn and family: My sincerest condolences to each of you during this sad time. It was truly my pleasure to work with Tom at the Naval Construction Training Center, Gulfport. He was an absolute team player and consummate professional in all his endeavors for the Navy. I could not have asked for better coworker, advisor, and confidant - he kept me on the right track ALWAYS! What a great man, I will miss him very much. Sincerely, CWO4 Bill "Beetle" Bailey, CEC, USN
Holly Postel
July 19, 2005
Losing a family member is hard but when it's before their time, the pain intensifies. I'm so sorry that you all need to deal with this, however, knowing that Tom has found peace after a long, hard battle brings some comfort. There's nothing anyone can say to make it any easier for the survivors but loving memories will make you smile when you least expect it!
Susan Meenan
July 18, 2005
Marilyn, Tom, Ryan, Lynne, Karen, Betty, Dave, Rich, Bob, Jane, Jill and Joan and all the rest of the family...my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your family has been through a lot in the past years. Tom was Grandma Lou's favorite...I thought it was me, but she told me it was Tom!! Love you all!!
Bruce & Deb Becker
July 18, 2005
There is not much one can say at a time like this, but please extend our condolences to the members of your family. Tom was a proud & wonderful man that we have known since childhood. How hard these last months must have been for your family-for Tom in his suffering and for you witnessing it. We can only hope that your years of happpiness and your many good memories will enable you to live with this sad loss. You have our deepest sympathy and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen (Herbers) Carter
July 18, 2005
Dear family,
I don't have words to heal your pain. I just want you to know you are all in my thoughts. much love,
Karen Thode
July 17, 2005
I will miss the comments about my football team and about my great skill of pushing carts at Target. Tom's journey has ended but memories of him will remain with all of us for many years! Love to the family, Karen
Sharon Files
July 15, 2005
More homelike seems the vast unknown
since they have entered there;
to follow them were not so hard,
Wherever they may fare;
They cannot be where God is not,
On any sea or shore;
Whatever betides, thy love abides,
Our God forever more.
John White Chadwick
You are all in my thoughts and prayers,
Love Sharon
Wade Herbers
July 15, 2005
For Toms family and especially Aunt Betty I hope there can be comfort in the fact that Toms long hard battle is over and that he is with Uncle Bill....I never really knew Tom as I only was In Ft. Dodge a few times as a young child , I wish I had knew him.....from the many kind words here on the memorial site , I missed out on a fine man....
Wade Herbers
Brad Ott
July 15, 2005
With deepest sympathy and many prays to the Thode family.
I was stationed with him in Annapolis, Md. for a few months and got the chance to speak with him during my trips to Gulfport, Ms.
Sandy Files
July 14, 2005
To the family of Tom Thode, I have read the entries in the guest book, and you can clearly read the love that everyone has for Tom and the entire Thode Family. May the strength of that love help ease the pain and allow the wonderful memories to shine through. May he rest in peace, and forever be free from pain, and may his light shine on all of us forever...He was a kind wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all...Love Sandy
Brad,Teresa, Joe, Jessie Kuhn
July 14, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Bob and Karen told us how hard Tom fought and the wonderful support he had from his loving family. You have our deepest sympathy.
Dan & Sheila Cole
July 14, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Dan, Sheila and family.
kathy benton foresi
July 14, 2005
With deepest Sympathy your in my paryers
Kathy Benton Foresi
Kristian Tutten
July 14, 2005
I'm sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with your family.
Vicki (Herbers) Trammell
July 14, 2005
To Marilyn and the kids, Aunt Betty and all my Thode Cousins....
Tom was very special to me. I remember such fun and happy times with him when he was out here in California. We loved to torment each other about who Grandma Lu loved more! Now he is with her, and probably chuckling that he got to her first! Tom will not soon be forgotten. My heart is breaking for all of you. I love you all,
Vicki, Bob, Valerie, Nick and Travis
Donald Kirk
July 14, 2005
CECS Thomas J. Thode, as I knew him was a great man, friend, husband and most of all an inspiration to me. He touch my life professionally and personally. For that I am greatful, he will be miss by all. My condelences to the family, your in my prayers and thought. I wish I could be there to express my feeling more. Twins take care of your family and remember lifes lessons for Dad. CEC Donald E. Kirk
Beverly J Malm
July 14, 2005
Rest your oars Senior Chief Thode.
Collie Merchant
July 14, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the family for your great loss.
Peter Grundy
July 13, 2005
My thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathy to the whole Thode family. I was stationed with Tom in NMCB 133 he was someone I could always talk too and he always had time to listen. I respected him so much for what he stood for. He will be greatly missed and will always be remembered in the hearts of everyone he touched.
Barb and Joe Vonsak
July 13, 2005
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Thode family!!! Tom was very much loved, I loved to hear the stories that Karen and Bob always would share. Our thoughts are with you all.
Joan Thode
July 13, 2005
My beloved brother,
May you be at peace with Dad and Dan. Sorry we didn't have more time together. Love Joan
Joey Groat
July 13, 2005
to my loveing uncle i feel like i barely remember you since you lived so far i wish i had more time to get to know you.
love, Joey
MOM
July 13, 2005
You came into our lifes on a warm summers night and we loved you so. Now you joined your Dad. I know it,s peaceful for you. Love Mom
jeff roe
July 13, 2005
My deepest sympathy to all the family for the loss of a great man.
Roger Gritton
July 13, 2005
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Thomas Thode. I also spent a lot of my time at the Thode home while in high school and got to know Tom as a quiet and sincere. I know his family will miss him greatly. He had great courage in his last battle. The world would be a better place if more followed his example of how to live life.
Sincerely, Roger and Patricia Gritton.
Craig & Deborah Bickford
July 13, 2005
Were sorry to here about Tom. You have are deepest sympathy.
Stacy Dellostritto
July 13, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. My deepest sympathy goes out to you all. Stacy DelloStritto (a Navy friend of Lynne and Mac)
Deb ( Thul) Jones
July 13, 2005
To the Thode family;
I am sending my deepest sympathy to the family of Tom. It is so hard to lose someone so dear as a husband, father,son and brother. I spent time at your house when I was growing up as Jill and I were in the same class.We will keep you all in our prayers as you go through this difficult time in your life. Sincerly Deb(Thul)and Darrel Jones
Craig Bickford Jr.
July 13, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the Thode family.
Liz Gaulke
July 13, 2005
To the Thode family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Senior Chief when he organized the Red Cross blood drives at NCTC. He was always kind,honest and hard-working and always stepped in to help even when he didn't have to. He will be missed and I will keep Tom and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Liz from the American Red Cross
Bridgett Keim
July 13, 2005
Tom had the heart of a giant and will be missed trmendously. His love for his wife and children shows through each of them. They are all outstanding. I wish my dear friend wouldn't have had to suffer the way that he did and now we can all just be greatful that even though his stay with us was short, he no longer is in pain and is at peace back home with his father and brother. I will never forget his wondeful sense of humor nor the wonderful love story of Tom & Marilyn. FAREWELL MY FRIEND!
Bridgett Keim
Mark Gargano
July 13, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the presence of family and friends comfort you. God Bless the Thode family.
Deb Ruter
July 13, 2005
My deepest sympathy to your family. I grew up with Tom and his family on 4th Ave. South. We also worked together at Heartland until he went into the Navy. We had alot of great times, My mom (Marcella Yetmar) loved helping him cook his 1st TURKEY. Tom left the paper stuffing inside the bird while it was cooking. We had a lot of laughs over that TURKEY!!! My Prayers are with Thomas and his Family. I will say the Holy Rosary in his Memory. Deb Yetmar Ruter, 1644 130th St., Kanawha, IA. 50447
John & Sue Thoma
July 13, 2005
Our sincere sympathy on your loss.
Addison Blackmon Jr.
July 13, 2005
As the Department of MS,Americanism Chairman Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States(VFW)I wish to offer the following prayer on behalf of our 100 plus Post:
To the family of Thomas J. Thode
Our Heavenly Father, the march of our comrades is over and he lieth down in the house appointed for all all the living. The Master saith, Thy brother shall arise again, for I am the Ressurection and the Life, and he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yetr shall he live. We beeseech thee to in mercy on his bereaved family and to Thy name shall be praise forever and ever amen.
VFW Department of MS, Americanism Chairman
Bob & Karen Heun
July 13, 2005
Our Sympathy to the Thode Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you .
Stacy Shouse
July 13, 2005
My deepest sympathy to your family.
The Staff of Riemann Funeral Homes
July 13, 2005
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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