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

Thomas "Tom" Birkeland

June 11, 1952 - March 14, 2026

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