Thomas Babcock
February 22, 1944 ~ July 29, 2008
Thomas J. Babcock, age 64, of Frederika, IA died on Tuesday, July 29, 2008, at his home of pancreatic cancer.
Thomas Joseph Babcock was born on February 22, 1944, to Everett and Mary (McFarland) Babcock in New Hampton. Tom graduated from New Hampton High School in 1962. After his graduation he was employed by Supersweet Feeds in New Hampton until 1967. Tom was united in marriage to Sharon Shinstine on February 4, 1967, at St. Josephs Catholic Church in New Hampton. He was employed at Culligan for a short time and later at K&W Motors in New Hampton for more than 20 years. While he worked at K&W he also managed Firemens Theater in New Hampton and drove truck for Beatrice Cheese of Fredericksburg. Tom was then employed by USF Dugan of Ankeny, and after retiring, he helped Nolte Excavating driving truck.
Tom enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family, pontooning on the river, and helping out friends, especially Rex Nolte. Tom was Mayor of Frederika and he and Sharon enjoyed coordinating the Frederika 4th of July parade.
Tom is survived by his wife Sharon of Frederika, IA; two children, Brenda (Neil) Whitney of Frederika, IA and Tommy (Toni) Babcock of Waterloo, IA; brother Jim (Lois) Babcock of Pueblo, CO; brother-in-law Steve Boobie Adams of New Hampton, IA; sister-in law Mary K. Shinstine of New Hampton, IA; two aunts, Zenovia Kelly and Sadie McFarland both of New Hampton, IA; several nieces and nephews; two granddogs Buster and Harley.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Edna Adams.
Memorials:
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials may be given to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org
Cemetery:
New Hampton Cemetery, New Hampton
Visitation:
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, August 2, 2008, at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton.
Service:
Graveside service will be at 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 3, 2008, at New Hampton Cemetery, in New Hampton with Neil Whitney officiating. All are welcome and casket bearers will include everyone attending. A celebration of life will take place immediately following graveside services at Kolbys Dine and Stein.
Dear Sharon and family, Ws sosorry to hear of your loss. To think just a year ago he was working so hard to get all these people to the class reunion. How misterious is that. He was a great guy and will be really missed, but he did enjoy his life to the fullest, and we all should do that not knowing when our last day will be.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Sharon , Im sorry to have read this about Tom , My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sharon Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts prayers are with you during this difficult time. Kari Kennedy Huffman Kathi, Jeff Sheridan Johnston
Sharon and family-You all will be in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Sharon and family, May you hearts be filled with love and courage and may your soul rest in the arms of angels. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Janie and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sharon and family, We just wanted you to know that you have our deepest sympathy. Tom was a great people person and it was always fun to stop and have a conversation with him. Please know that you are in our prayers during this difficult time. Klel and Lynne Harris
Sharon and family. My deepest sympathy during these difficult times. You are in my prayers.
Sharon Brenda Tommy and Families I am so sorry for your loss, know you are in thoughts and prayers of many today and in the coming days. Penny
Sharon, Brenda, Tommy family We just heard about Tom and wanted to send you a note to let you know we are thinking of you. I know we havent seen you for awhile but weve always had such fond memories of when we lived by you. You were great neighbors and friends and we had lots of fun. I can remember Tom playing Santa and just popping in so our kids would see Santa on Christmas. We had a great bunch of neighbors and we will have great memories. I hope you all will too. I can only imagine how difficult of a time it is but we just wanted you to know how much you thought of Tom and all the rest of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Im sorry we are going to be out of town this weekend and just wanted pass on our deepest sympathy. To the Good Old Neighbors!! Paul Colleen Kruger Brooke Aaron Batchelder Heather Kruger
Sharon, Brenda,Tommy and Family, You have may deepest sympathy. It is so hard to let them go but just as hard to see them suffer. I can always remember him standing there and wondering what he might say next to us before we would go out and it was usually with one finger pointing at us. Then there is all the dancing -wow the miles that were put on just from that. You guys are in our prayers-take care.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. You guys are a strong and close family -hang in there. May the prayers and concerns from others help you through this difficult time. Love and God bless, Ted, Donna, and Allie Geerts.
Toni, Tommy and Family- We are sorry for your loss and you are in our prayers. Take Care
We are so very sorry for your loss! Jim Julie Eckenrod
We are very sorry to hear about Tom. Please know you are in our prayers in this difficult time.
We feel so fortunate to have known Tom and are sharing in your grief during this difficult time. We extend our deepest sympathy.
We want to extend our deepest sympathy at this difficult time for all of you. Know that Tom is in a better place and in Gods loving care. Always remember all the great memories and time that you shared together. The pain will ease with time. May God bless all of you.
We will truly miss Tom, and he will NEVER be forgotten!! Him and mom are having a great time im sure. Hes no longer suffering, you got to keep thinking that. Love you guys, and please if you need anything, give us a call. (But, we cant take care of the donkey)haha
We wish to give you our condulences. Dont know if we can make the visitation, but will try. Just to let you know that we are thinking of you all. Kathy Don
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ill never forget the times we went jet skiing in Fredericka. Tom opened up your house to us and made us feel right at home. He will forever be missed and never be forgotten.
Your suffering is over. Those left behind will mourn, but we also know you are in a better place and whole again. Sail with the wind, my friend.
I have had you all in my mind and my heart for all these many painful weeks. Toms pain is now over. My sincere wish that yours will be redeemed in joyful memories of a loving husband and father.
Sharon Family We are so shocked to hear about Tom. We enjoyed talking working with you both! Being so far away we wont be able to be there but we will keep you your family in our prayers.
Tommy, Toni and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God keep you strong during these difficult times. Love, Dale, Deanna, Brian, Sam, Carly, and Kenedy
I wanted to send my condolances to the family of Thomas. I started my automotive carrier at K W Motors and Thomas always liked to joke around and went out of his way to help me as I was a new mechanic at the shop. It was a pleasure to work with him. I am very sorry for your loss. Michael Cleveland son of Felton and Elaine Cleveland
I wanted to give you my condolences and let you know Ive been thinking about you all. Ive had the flu all weekend and feel bad I cant attend the funeral. Just know you are in my thoughts. karen
Sharon and Family, I am sorry to hear of your great loss. Tom was a great man! I will remember how he could always make anyone smile. My sincere condolences to you all.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Tommy, So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I am sure he will be greatly missed. You have our sympathy and prayers.