Thomas Waddingham

Tom Waddingham, 90, of Thornton, passed away on May 14, 2026, at Mercy One North in Mason City, Iowa. Thomas Dean was born on March 26, 1936, to John and Reva (Elder) Waddingham in Klemme, Iowa. He spent his early years on the family farm and was a 1954 graduate of Klemme High School. While in high school, he worked as a hired man for a local farmer and a truck driver for the grain elevator. After high school, Tom served in the United States Army. After his discharge from the Army, he was united in marriage to Janice Meinders on December 9, 1960 at the First Reformed Church in Meservey, Iowa. Shortly after the marriage,Tom was recalled into military service. He and his new wife moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he was stationed. In 1962, the couple moved back to the area to build a farming operation south of Thornton. Tom was fortunate to be able to live in his farm home until his death. Tom was a member of the First Reformed Church of Meservey. Over the years, he served several terms on the church consistory in the offices of deacon and elder. Tom was a member of the American Legion Post 440 of Thornton. He was proud to honor many veterans as a part of the legion’s Honor Guard. After retirement, Tom and Janice traveled to many locations across the country. He also enjoyed several fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada. After restoring the farm’s first tractor, a John Deere 630, he participated in several group tractor rides and parades. The grandchildren always made sure to get a tractor ride when they visited Grandma and Grandpa’s farm. In later years, Tom enjoyed some of his free time visiting the shop at the neighbor’s farm to observe the work and driving his ‘crop check circuit’. Many of his mornings were spent at the Thornton CO-OP chatting with the local farmers over a cup of coffee. Tom was a long-time blood donor and has now become an organ donor. Left to cherish Tom’s life are his children: Paige (Brad) Warren, Kendra (Scott) Pottebaum, and Sarah (Travis) Statlander; grandchildren Kolby, Kade, Zachary, Katie, Reghan, and Gavin; great granddaughter Eleanor; brothers Bill (Rosalie) and Ray; and sisters-in-law Cheryl and Marie. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; parents, John and Reva; sister Ellen Sobek; brothers David and Bruce; and grandson Tyson Warren. A public visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, at Woodley Funeral Home in Thornton. Funeral services will be held at 10:30, Friday, May 22, 2026, at the First Reformed Church in Meservey. He will be laid to rest at the Meservey Cemetery following the service. Lunch will be served at the church following the interment. Memorials may be given to the Tom Waddingham Memorial, with fund designations to be determined at a later time. Woodley Funeral Home of Thornton is caring for Tom and his family.

Tributes

Thomas Waddingham

March 26, 1936 - May 14, 2026