Tom Ralston, 63, passed away peacefully into eternal life at his home in Glendale, Arizona on Friday, June 9, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, at the Gunderson Funeral Home. A vigil for the deceased will be held at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will begin with a greeting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 29, at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church with Msgr. Kevin McCoy officiating. Burial ceremonies will follow the Mass at Oakland Cemetery with military graveside honors presented by V.F.W. Post 1856 and the Iowa Army National Guard.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years Leora Ralston of Glendale, AZ; his son Nick Ralston and wife Tessa of Des Moines; his daughter Ashley Ralston of Fort Dodge; his daughter Stacey Andreessen and husband Brian of Glendale, AZ; his five grandsons, Drew and Sam Ralston, and Jordan, Josh and Jayse Andreessen; sister-in-law Connie (Ralston) Martin and children, Chad, Janna and Joe Ralston. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Catherine, and his brother William.
Thomas James Ralston was born July 25, 1953 in Fort Dodge to James and Catherine Ralston. He grew up enjoying sports on many teams throughout his childhood, and was also active in Boy Scout Troop #10 lead by his father and earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Honor in 1967. He received his formal education in Fort Dodge and graduated from St. Edmond High School in 1971. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served two years in an Air Defense Unit stationed in Germasheim, Germany. After his military discharge, Tom worked several years for various construction firms before completing training in the Local 45 Sheetmetal Workers Apprenticeship School in 1987. He would go on to work over 30 years in the HVAC / Sheet Metal industry in both Iowa and Arizona, the majority of which were spent employed by Midstate Plumbing & Heating in Fort Dodge.
Tom enjoyed working on a variety of construction and home improvement projects over the years for family and friends in need, and was always eager to lend a helping hand. He was active in many outdoor and sporting activities throughout his life, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, and spent a lot of time as he grew older playing golf and enjoying Arizona Cardinals games while living in the Phoenix area.
Tom was the best of the best as a husband, father and friend and will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. He will be remembered and celebrated every day, and will forever hold a place in their hearts.
Joni Coughlon
Rest In Peace, Tom.
Mary Lyman (Ryan)
Obituary for Thomas J. Ralston
Tom Ralston, 63, passed away peacefully into eternal life at his home in Glendale, Arizona on Friday, June 9, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, at the Gunderson Funeral Home. A vigil for the deceased will be held at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will begin with a greeting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 29, at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church with Msgr. Kevin McCoy officiating. Burial ceremonies will follow the Mass at Oakland Cemetery with military graveside honors presented by V.F.W. Post 1856 and the Iowa Army National Guard.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years Leora Ralston of Glendale, AZ; his son Nick Ralston and wife Tessa of Des Moines; his daughter Ashley Ralston of Fort Dodge; his daughter Stacey Andreessen and husband Brian of Glendale, AZ; his five grandsons, Drew and Sam Ralston, and Jordan, Josh and Jayse Andreessen; sister-in-law Connie (Ralston) Martin and children, Chad, Janna and Joe Ralston. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Catherine, and his brother William.
Thomas James Ralston was born July 25, 1953 in Fort Dodge to James and Catherine Ralston. He grew up enjoying sports on many teams throughout his childhood, and was also active in Boy Scout Troop #10 lead by his father and earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Honor in 1967. He received his formal education in Fort Dodge and graduated from St. Edmond High School in 1971. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served two years in an Air Defense Unit stationed in Germasheim, Germany. After his military discharge, Tom worked several years for various construction firms before completing training in the Local 45 Sheetmetal Workers Apprenticeship School in 1987. He would go on to work over 30 years in the HVAC / Sheet Metal industry in both Iowa and Arizona, the majority of which were spent employed by Midstate Plumbing & Heating in Fort Dodge.
Tom enjoyed working on a variety of construction and home improvement projects over the years for family and friends in need, and was always eager to lend a helping hand. He was active in many outdoor and sporting activities throughout his life, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, and spent a lot of time as he grew older playing golf and enjoying Arizona Cardinals games while living in the Phoenix area.
Tom was the best of the best as a husband, father and friend and will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. He will be remembered and celebrated every day, and will forever hold a place in their hearts.