Thomas A. Widtfeldt
September 21, 1946 – December 14, 2019
Tom was born on September 21, 1946 in Omaha, Nebraska. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School through 8th grade, Arch Bishop Ryan High School for 2 years, then moved to Millard and graduated from Millard High School. He completed a year of college before starting his career as a salesman in the food industry. This would be his career for over 40 years.
Tom married Diane on September 14, 1968. They had 2 kids, Eric & Jill. Tom spent many years and countless hours serving others as a football & baseball coach and scout leader. Long after Eric quit Cub Scouts as a young boy, Tom ran the pinewood derby track for hundreds of troops, as he had the only digital read-out finish line track in the city of Omaha.
Though Tom had many titles of son, brother, husband, dad, & coach– to name a just few– his favorite title of all was grandpa. He loved being a grandpa to his 6 grandkids: Jackson, Madeline, Allison, Trevor, Cruz & Lola. His favorite thing to do was watch them shine in their sports and activities. They couldn’t have asked for a better grandpa.
Tom enjoyed fishing in his free time. For many years, he had a yearly fishing trip to Canada with his friends. He treasured that time with his dear friends. He was also known for his green thumb.
In December of 2007, Tom got a bacterial infection. This infection took his kidney function. After a year and a half of dialysis, Tom’s brother, Bob, gave him a kidney. For this, we are forever grateful, as it gave Tom another 10 years of living a good life. Because of this, Tom was able to see his last 2 grandchildren be born and do what he loved most: watch his grandkids in hundreds of sporting events. With the immuno-suppressive drugs from his transplant, Tom battled—and beat– lots of obstacles, including open-heart surgery, brain surgery, and sepsis 4 times. In November of 2019, Tom got another bacterial infection. This would prove to be the one that was too much. He fought for a long month before giving in to this illness.
Tom was a wonderful person with many great qualities: dependable, genuine, hard-working, and even-keeled. He will be forever missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Family will receive friends Sunday, December 22nd from 3pm to 5pm, at the West Center Chapel followed by a VIGIL SERVICE at 5pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, December 23rd, 10:30am, St. John Vianney Catholic Church (5801 Oak Hills Dr.) INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery.
15 Comments
I worked with Tom at Cabelas the whole time he was there…I truly was blessed to know him & work with…he was one special man…going to be missed by his Cabela family…prayers to you all
Sorry about your loss. I was lucky enough to work with Tom at Cabelas for 3 1/2 years. He was a great cashier, so patient and never got angry. Customers loved him and so did many of his co-workers!!! He definitely loved his fishing and grandkids and their activities!!! He will be greatly missed!!! RIP Thomas
Thoughts and prayers to Thomas’s family!!!
I also worked with Tom at Cabela’s. Tom was always friendly with a good morning or hello. Tom and I talked frequently for short periods and I learned that Tom was a gentle and caring man. It was a pleasure working with someone that was never negative but always had a positive attitude. You will be missed my friend. Blessings to your family, may God comfort them in this time of sorrow.
Diane I ache for you and your family. I would give anything if I could give you a hug.
When Linda died the day after Tom passed it became so obvious that now my calling is to live my life honoring her.
God bless you and your family.
Rich
Me and my family have great memories of Tom. Tom and my dad were iour troop leaders for Boy Scouts. These days shaped us as young boys and helped turn us into young men and have led us down this path to where we are today.. Tom gave so much of his time and knowledge to so many of us . Rest in peace Tom and our condolences to Eric and his family and friends!
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful man, father and husband. I’ve known this family my entire life and spent more time at their house than I did my own. Our parents were the best of friends as well as all of kids. I love you all and sheenerdoo from me. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace.
I enjoyed working with Tom selling food when he worked for Pegler and I worked for Crowne Marketing.. And selling against him was fun when he became a broker. I remember attending his party in 2007 and admiring his attitude
about his illness. ..He was a good friend. Sorry for your loss.
I understand that it is the pits. My husband went to Heaven in 2015 after 7 months fight with Pancreatic. cancer.. Both of them get to spend Christmas with Jesus this year. Char Repp
I worked with Tom at Food Marketing many moons ago. We enjoyed working food shows. He was so knowledgeable. I remember how happy he was when talking about his grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Diane, and your family. My husband passed away 1 1/2 years ago and Tom came to his funeral and I was so happy to see him and blessed that he came. Such a super guy.
Diane, so sorry to read about your loss. Tom was a wonderful guy. I have many good memories of him. So glad that he had the joy of many grandkids. Surely they are a comfort to you now.
Connie
I was blessed to work with Tom at Pegler Sysco. He was always the one to help others smile if they were having a tough time. He will be missed
We are thinking about you during these difficult times
Diane and family, I was so sorry to hear about Tom’s death. He has given so much to everyone, especially through the volunteer work he performed. May God grant you and your family comfort during this time. You have many wonderful memories of him, and they will sustain you and your family. RIP Tom.
I was a classmate of Tom’s at Millard High School. I remember Tom as a very positive and cheerful guy. Saw him a few times at Cabelas. My condolences to his family and friends.
So very sorry to hear this Diane. My best to you and your family. May he rest in peace.
Dear Jill,
I was so sad to hear of your dads passing. I’m so sorry for your loss, please give your mom a hug from me. I will pray for healing for your family in this very difficult time. With my deepest sympathies, Tammy
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