Thomas R. Aaroen

Babysitting for Jim, Terry & Tom was my first full time job the summer of 1958. I had just graduated from 8th grade. They could be little devils but we had so much fun. We took bike rides & played baseball. We went fishing & had pillow fights. We always had Campbell's bean & bacon soup & tuna sandwiches or PB & J for lunch. It was a wonderful growing up experience for all of us. My heart is breaking for this sweet boy & his family. Deepest sympathy. Karen Carley Winkelman

My three sons and toms three sons all grew up in Wabesa Heights. The played sports together. I remember the the only person harder on the referees and umpires than myself, was Tom.

Sorry to see that Tom has passed away. We worked together at the post office. Think it was a Buick Century he bought from me. He was a great guy and happy to have known him. With Caring Thoughts and Sincere Sympathy, Rick Stanek

Gail, Josh, Jake and Joe, Jim and Andrea and entire family and friends. My/our sincere sympathy to you all in your loss of Tom, your husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and all relatives and friends -- a huge loss wayyyyy too early in this life when we need everyone's talent and knowledge and experience in this challenging world. Tom had a smile and kindness that we need more of in this life. Speaking for our entire family, we went to school together and being shy little farm kids, people like Tom and brothers and buddies would make us feel like we were some of the best people in the world -- we worked hard and long days on the farm, covered in mud or whatever and dust doing our daily chores in the fields and around the animals. Tom's parents lived in the house my Grandpa and Grandma built, and were so kind and helpful to our grandparents and us when we needed help from Barkley and his profession on the farm, and Vi with her professional help as our Grandparents were aging. It is no wonder that all the kids were so kind and helpful and respectful. We were sorry when you all lost Terry to an unfortunate and painful accident again wayyyy before his time with so much to give the world with his grin and helping attitude. We didn't know Tom had to retire early from a back injury, but knowing him even a long time ago, he continued to contribute to his family and the world more than ever before. Gail and family and friends -- Tom was so lucky to have you all, and you to have Tom to live life in this demanding world. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all in your loss. May his spirit and memories and dreams continue to live on through all of you and the memories give you strength in the days and years ahead. God bless. Sue and entire families.

I remember Tom as a regular visitor to the McFarland library. He always gave me a friendly smile. Tom was also my neighbor on North Cook Street when we lived at the “lake house,” where he spent a lot of time on his back porch. He’d chat with my son as Sam worked on the garden. Wish I’d gotten to know him better, but that was my fault, not his! Rest in peace, Tom.