Thomas "Tom" Birkeland

Thomas "Tom" Birkeland

June 11, 1952 - March 14, 2026

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Obituary

MOUNT HOREB - Thomas Jon Birkeland passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at New Glarus Home in New Glarus, Wis., surrounded by his children who cared for and loved him dearly.


Tom was born on June 11, 1952, in Dickinson, N.D., to John and Margaret (Vought) Birkeland. The family later relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Tom spent most of his life.


Tom graduated from Skyline High School in 1970. He married Anita Recksiek in 1976, and three children were born to this union: Jennifer, Michael and Stephanie. Tom and Anita later divorced.


Tom married Vicki Gayler and later divorced. Tom married Loretta Asay on April 8, 1998. Loretta later passed away on July 10, 2000. Tom finally found the love of his life and soulmate, GaLynn Broderic, on February 15, 2005. They were very happy until she passed on October 7, 2008.


Tom worked his entire life in the grocery business as a salesman and was very respected in his field. First working for McCormick & Schilling and then merging with Acosta. Between the two companies he worked for over 35 years.


Tom enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and family gatherings. We can still remember his excitement when the fish truck arrived at his favorite fishing spot at Christmas Meadows where our family made a lot of wonderful memories.


After his retirement in 2017, Tom moved to Wisconsin to be closer to family. He enjoyed summer trips to North Dakota camping with his family and fishing on his son-in-law’s boat in hopes to catch the big one. He loved handing out candy to his grandkids whenever he saw them. He was also happy when he could get a good piece of prime rib and even asked for one in his final days. Tom could always be counted on for a dirty joke and some good laughs.


Tom is survived by his children, Jennifer (Cody) Dukart of Dunn Center, N.D., Michael (Liz Lockwood) Birkeland of Mount Horeb, Wis., and Stephanie (Justin) Hardersen of Killdeer, N.D.; grandchildren, Colby (Cheyanne) Dukart, Raileigh Strommen, Emma Dukart, Abygael Edseth, Gretta Birkeland, Harper Birkeland, Abby Hardersen, Logan Hardersen and Hudson Hardersen; sisters, Joann Okumura, Kaye White and JDee (Susy) Birkeland; nieces and nephews, Wendee Eldredge, Shelly (Jason) Faust, Brittany (Jeff) Stephenson, Todd White and Heidi White; and great-nieces and nephews, Josh Stephenson, Chris (Kenna) Stephenson, Laura Stephenson, Ovi Stephenson, Coleson Eldredge and Porter Eldredge. He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Loretta Asay and GaLynn Broderic; brothers-in-law, Hachiro Okumura and Dean White; and lifelong best friend, Perry Bayes.


A private celebration of life for close friends and family will be held at a later date.


Tom’s children would like to thank the nurses and CNAs at New Glarus Home, New Glarus, Wis., and Agrace HospiceCare, Wis., especially Megan, Lexee and Emily. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in Tom’s name. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077



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AB
A Memorial Tree was planted for Thomas Jon Birkeland
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson-Camacho Funeral Home – Mt. Horeb
AF
AE and fam
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You, sir, are going to be missed very much. My heart is broken, who am I going to sit outside with and bring cheeseburgers to? I sure love you. Give my parents hell would ya?
SH
Susan Hanes
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I worked with Tom for many years at Acosta as he headed up the retail Spice team-he was our dependable go to guy on all things McCormick and his team called him "Papa Spice" (although he often referred to himself as "Old Spice" 😄 ) He was well known in the Utah Grocery Industry, as was his dad Johnny. What a blessing that he was able to spend his final years with his family, doing things that he loved. A well deserved rest Tommy. Best, Susan Hanes
CM
Cindy May
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I’m met Tom working for RGIS inventory. We laughed and laughed all the time he shared dirty jokes he always had Neccos candy in his pocket and he was just hilarious. He always had his trunk filled with spices and would share once in a while. I will miss him. I ran into him later on, and he still cracked me. so glad he had been with his family. He was a great guy.♥️♥️🙏
RD
Reyne and Daryl Dukart
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We have not known Tom for many years, until his daughter Jennifer married into our Dukart Family. Reyne and I always enjoyed his visits to North Dakota, sharing a camp fire, watching our grandchildren making us Smores, sipping beers, sharing a meal, listening to his stories of life and a little history about himself. We have had the opportunity to share grandchildren with him and have been able to meet all of his grandchildren several times. Our deepest sympathy to Jennifer, Cody, Michael, Liz, Stephine and Justin along with all of Toms grandchildren . May our lord and savior be with you all as you mourn this loss of your loved parent and grandfather. As we will pray for your healing for this great loss and for safe travels as many of you will be traveling for the service. Sending Hugs, Love and Prayers! One thing we always seen when he was at the ranch and had an opportunity to ride with anyone of us to check our livestock in one of our side by sides. His smile and the loss of his cap from the North Dakota winds was always a good laugh for all of us. Tom, I still have a jar of spice you give us from the truck of your car now about 20 years ago. Rest in peace our friend. Love, Reyne and Daryl Dukart

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