Tom Little

Somers

Tom L. Little, 87, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Laufersweiler's Palmer Swank Funeral Home in Rockwell City. Private burial will be in Cedar Township Cemetery, Rinard. Visitation will be one hour prior on Tuesday at the funeral home in Rockwell City.

Thomas Leroy Little "Tom", son of Elda and Helen (Rockufeler) Little, was born on August 31, 1937, on the family farm between Somers and Rinard, Iowa. Tom graduated from Rinard Consolidated School in 1955 as the Salutatorian. In school he was active in baseball, basketball, instrumental band, and class programs. He served all offices of the Calhoun County 4-H where he was very active and won many awards. After graduating and spending a year on his dad's farm, he then attended and graduated from Fort Dodge Junior College. During college he worked at a grocery store and office supply company. Tom began his career with the Somers Savings Bank and joined the Iowa National Guard in 1960. In January 1960, he married Alberta Minnie Geelke Kohlstedt. With the Bank he became Executive Vice President and CEO. In the National Guard he became a Staff Sgt as Supply Sgt. While he was at the Bank for 38 years he was also the City Clerk in Somers for 25 years. During his career with the Bank Tom served as: Director and Secretary of Cedar Valley Plaza, Agent with Somers Bancorp, Agent and Manager of Somers Insurance Agency, Member and Chairman of the Calhoun County Draft Board from 1968 to 1974. He also served on Calhoun County Compensation Commission as called upon, the Calhoun County Board of Adjustment when called upon, and as all officers of the Calhoun County Bankers Association. Tom was a member of the Fulton Lutheran Church in Roelyn where he served as Secretary since 1963, and was the Notary Public from 1967 to1994. He retired from the bank in 1997.

Tom enjoyed fishing on the family farm as he had done since he was 5 years old and fishing the Iowa lakes until the 1960's. Many trips to Leech Lake in Minnesota from 1969 to 2011 and then back to Iowa. Loved his trips with the family from 1977 to 1985, visiting almost every state. Gardening and Do-It-Yourself projects kept Tom busy as well. Tom will be remembered for his warm smile, gentle nature, and his willingness to always lend a helping hand to those in need. He cherished spending time with his loved ones, sharing stories and creating lasting memories that will be cherished forever.

Preceding him in death was his father, Elda (1979), his mother, Helen (2002), his wife, Alberta (2019). Tom leaves behind his children Kevin (Connie) Little, Scott (Robin) Little, Todd (Renee) Little, along with their six grandchildren Kelsey (Eric) Styskal, Stephanie (Cameron) Loew, Nicolas, Caleb, Elizabeth, and Andrew along with two great grandchildren Walter and Colter.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.