Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Thomas Klocke
Thomas Allen Klocke passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Sunday, October 1, 2023, after 73 years on this earth. Tom was born to John and Ione (Hillstrom) Klocke in New Rockford, ND on June 4, 1950. He was raised on a small family farm in Sykeston, ND, along with 5 older brothers and 2 younger sisters.
When he was 4 years old, he was involved in an unfortunate accident and sustained a major head injury. He spent many months in Rochester, MN before finally being able to return home. Despite his head trauma, Tom continued on and was known for his intelligence, especially his science and math abilities, during his school years. In fact, Tom produced science projects that were so advanced, that his high school teacher had to bring in college professors each time one of his projects needed grading!
Outside of academics, Tom also had a playful side, often engaged in paper fights or lighthearted pestering of his younger sister Linda. He was also a craftsman of various skills. Tom enjoyed working on cars, both models and life-sized. He won awards for his model wood car designs, as did his brother Bill. Tom also rebuilt several corvettes, with the burnt-orange one the most memorable to his sister Susan. Woodworking was another hobby of Tom’s – an interest and talent seemingly shared by all of the Klocke family men. Many people also benefited from Tom’s enjoyment of beadwork, as many of his beautiful rosaries found their way into hands overseas, as well as into the hands of many of his family members.
Though intelligent and accomplished, Tom’s traumatic brain injury resulted in extra challenges later on in life. Regardless of his hardships, Tom was known for his warm heart, kind soul, and devotion to the Lord. He will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Ione, and brothers Don and Larry. He is survived and loved by brothers Jerry, Jim, and Bill, younger sisters Linda and Susan, numerous nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Tom’s Graveside Service will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 1:00PM at the Carrington Cemetery.
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I am sorry to hear of the death of my brother-in-law, Tom Klocke. My best memory of Tom is telling me one of his best friends was “Lawrence P”, his nickname for his brother Larry. May he rest in peace.
Uncle Tom, you will be greatly missed. I have many very fond memories of you.
Very sad to hear that my Uncle Tom passed away. Such an amazingly talented guy. Also very kind and humble. I will miss you very much, Tom! Rest in Peace.
Tom was one of my best friends for sixty years. We had some amazing times. I will dearly miss him. Like he always told me, “Friends to the end”. Rest in peace Tom.
My love and prayers for all of Tom’s family. He was a classmate and I have many fun memories from our school years and so happy he made it to our 55th reunion in July❤️🙏
Tommy was one of the many neighborhood kids for a few years in Sykeston. I vividly remember the day of the accident and how sad and worried we were about him. How happy we were when he came home. Many fond memories of good times with Tom.
Thankful for our visits this summer Tom…. Rest in peace!
David
Always loved to visit when he walked past my house daily. He was so knowledgeable about everything. One day we were chatting and I mentioned we were at Promontory Utah and he said did we see the golden spike and he proceeded to give me the history of it. He was so kind and friendly.
My brother Marvin and Tom were friends before first grade and throughout their years at Sykeston and beyond. My brother Don tells me that Tom taught Marvin how to draw horses in 2nd grade. He was a very talented person in everything he did. My condolences to his family.
Rest in Peace Tom!
Rest In Peace Cousin