Thomas "Tom" Craig McDermott

Thomas “Tom” Craig McDermott age 76 of Lansing, IA died Thursday, June 19, 2025, at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center surrounded by his loved ones.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Holy Family Parish, New Hampton, with Rev. Dan Knipper celebrating the Mass. Inurnment will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg.

Friends may greet the family from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. prior to the Mass at the church on Tuesday.

Tom was born on July 15, 1948, to Ray and Lillian McDermott. He married Sandra Apel of Charles City on July 13, 1969. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage, raised four kids, and proved that love can last a lifetime.

Tom proudly served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970, stationed in Puerto Rico. As he liked to say, he “fought the war from behind a typewriter.” And while he might not have seen combat, he certainly typed with authority and let everyone know the Army couldn’t have functioned without him. 

In 1970, Tom and Sandy moved to New Hampton, Iowa, where they raised their children and ran Tom’s Restaurant from 1973 to 2007. “Ran” may be generous—Sandy ran the place, while Tom showed up for social hour, leaned against the counter, cracked jokes with the regulars, and made sure the cash drawer added up at the end of the day. He kept a watchful eye on anyone trying to smuggle extra chicken home on all-you-can-eat night (yes, he saw you). If you got checked out by Tom at the register, you probably got a total, a smirk, and some unsolicited life advice. 

In 2011, Tom and Sandy retired to Lansing, Iowa. Officially. Unofficially, his kids would say he’d been “retired” for years—he just finally admitted it. In Lansing, he enjoyed a quieter life near the river, spending his time fishing, boating, and being with family and friends. 

Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra, and their four children: Brian & Sheri McDermott of Farmington, MN, Amy & Todd Warnke of Fredericksburg, IA, Ryan & Michelle McDermott of Marion, IA, and Casey & April McDermott of West Union, IA. He was a proud grandpa to 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, all of whom inherited at least a little bit of his sarcasm. Also surviving are his brother Patrick (Laura) McDermott of New Hampton and sister Connie McDermott of Des Moines. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Lillian McDermott; his brothers Tim, Terry, and Kevin McDermott; and his in-laws Raymond and Patricia Apel.

Tom will be remembered for his quick wit, sharp tongue, and the unmistakable way he could make you laugh, even while giving you a hard time. He had a sarcastic comment for everything, a comeback for everyone, and a heart that quietly carried a deep love for his family. He didn’t need to say “I love you” out loud—you could hear it in his teasing, see it in the way he showed up, and feel it in the way he looked after those he cared about. He leaves behind a family who knew exactly how he felt, because he told them. Usually with a joke. Always with love.