Thomas M. Fangman, D.D.S.

Thomas M. Fangman, D.D.S.

December 19, 1932-June 5, 2025

“Pop Pop”

Thomas M. Fangman Sr. was born December 19, 1932, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He grew up in Lincoln and Wichita, Kansas. He graduated from Blessed Sacrament Grade School in Wichita. His family moved to Omaha, where he attended Creighton Prep, Class of 1951. He continued his education, receiving a Bachelors from Creighton University in 1955, and lastly, he graduated from the Creighton University School of Dentistry in 1959. Throughout his high school and college years, Tom participated in ROTC. Following graduation, he served as an officer in the United States Army at Fort Sill, OK from 1959-1961. Tom continued that service for 9 years in the Army Reserves reaching the rank of captain.

On May 30, 1959, Thomas Fangman married Sally Ann Hood at St. Margaret Mary’s Church, Omaha, NE.  They loved and cherished each other for 33 years until her passing in 1989.

On November 19, 1994, Thomas Fangman married Barbara Pedersen at St. Philip Neri in Omaha, NE. They remained happily married until his passing.

Dr. Thomas M. Fangman Sr. entered eternal rest on June 5, 2025, in Omaha, NE. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally (Hood) Fangman; parents, Richard J. and Loretta (Shanahan); brothers, Dr. Richard Fangman and Dr. Donald Fangman; sisters: Mary Kay Tighe, Marguerite Stejskal, and Patricia Courage.

Tom Fangman Sr. is survived by his wife, Barbara Melham Fangman; children: Fr. Tom Fangman Jr., Omaha, NE, Denny and Beth Fangman, Cornville, AZ, and Shayla and Mark Edwards, Omaha, NE; stepchildren, Deb Pedersen, San Francisco, CA, Gregg and Shawna Sunfield, Boulder, CO; grandchildren: Madeline Edwards, Mallory Edwards, Laurel Edwards, Fletch Fangman, Luke Fangman, Kenzie Fangman, and Gibran Sunfield; brothers, Dr. Terry and Toni Fangman, Omaha, NE, Dr. Michael Fangman, Fort Collins, CO; plus a clan of nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

The life of this kind man is hard to express in words. Dr. Tom Fangman touched lives simply by being so dear. He taught us by example through his life and his love! His life was truly whole in all the right and meaningful ways.

Dad’s intelligence was a beacon of inspiration for all who knew him. His sharp mind and remarkable memory, from dates to places to people, were truly incredible. His choice of history for his college degree at Creighton University was a perfect fit, and his knowledge remained unmatched until the day he passed. He was not just intelligent, but also hardworking, devoted to all, and able to teach by his response.

Kindness was at the heart of everything our dad did, which he will be remembered for by many. Being the fifth of eight children, he grew up in Lincoln and Wichita, Kansas, going to Blessed Sacrament in both places, before moving to Omaha. He was deeply rooted in his family, whom he adored. To this day, I have never experienced a family that loved being together the way those eight siblings did. Their bond was unbreakable, their love for each other unwavering. They enjoyed every moment together, from taking trips to Europe with him as the driver to claiming to be the oldest golf foursome in town. They cherished every moment spent together.

Our dad had a special bond with his brother, Terry. They did a lot together! From paper routes to ball games, to being bedroom-sharing brothers, choosing their lifelong professions, and becoming dentists. They even became partners and created West Center Dental Corporation. Together with them and their brother-in-law, Dr. Richard Tighe, our dad was so proud to say that they never once fought. It became a family corporation, with their sister, Marguerite worked the front desk, niece Anne was a receptionist, Michelle as Hygienist, and all of us sons and daughters, nieces, and nephews at some time in our lives worked the office, never too much family, except the day Dad had to fire Shayla because she went to lunch too long with our mom. I’ll let her tell you the rest of that story. Ha! Dad loved being a Dentist and was a wonderful one.

Time remembered, times cherished, that made us who we are today. Dad moved to Omaha when, as a sophomore at Creighton Prep, a Jesuit Priest named Fr. Sullivan felt it would be good for him to be friends with Owen Neary. He introduced them, and a lifelong friendship began. Owen had this cute neighbor living up the street, and he thought Dad should ask her out. He did. Her name was Sally Hood. They married on May 30, 1959, at St. Margaret Mary’s Church. Their love for each other was beautiful and modeled to us all what it means to live the sacrament. He loved and cherished her for 33 years.

When our dear mother, Sally, passed away on November 3, 1989, Dad was faced with much loss. For a long time, he was lonely and seemed lost. Then Owen Neary came to the rescue, again introducing Dad to another beautiful woman, Barbara Pedersen. She had recently moved back from the Bay Area and settled in Omaha to be near family. They hit it off, dated, and were married at St. Philip Neri on November 19, 1994. Their marriage and love for each other were revealed daily, as they shared 31 years of marriage.

Rooted and full, I say again, for our dad told us often, “I have been blessed with the best wives!” Yes, Dad, you have, but we, your three children, would say, “We have been blessed with the best father!” You have given us your all. You always put us first, giving us every opportunity provided for us, as well as teaching us to get up and keep going. You are the most gracious, giving, and loving man we have ever known, selfless, kind, devoted, and a real model you have been for us. We learned so much from your loving and living fully with faith.

Dad’s life was filled with many roles and relationships, all of which he cherished. But the most special role I ever witnessed him in was “Pop-Pop!” He lit up when he could be around any of his grandchildren. You have all been his pride and joy; his love for you was beautiful.

Our dad’s life has left us with volumes to reflect upon, and we will. This past year, he further taught all it means to get up and keep going. He was always there for us, and we tried to be there for him. Rooted and full, we learned that from you. We are full of faith when we think of where Dad is now. It was time to let him go on Thursday morning, June 5, 2025, at 7:05. He is free now, free to be with God, the one he trusted. You modeled that trust for us. Go be free, “Pop Pop!”

VIGIL: Tuesday June 10, 2025, at 7:00PM with VISITATION beginning at 4:00PM , St. Patrick Catholic Church, 18602 W. Maple Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, June 11, 10:30AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Elkhorn, NE.

INTERMENT with MILITARY HONORS:  Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Fr. Tom Fangman Alumni Scholarship Fund at Christ the King Catholic Church; Creighton Prep; St. Patrick Parish, Elkhorn; St. Augustine Indian Mission School; or Christ Child Society of Omaha.

To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com