Thomas D. Thoreson, Jr., 80, formerly of Libby

Thomas D. Thoreson, Jr., went to fly with the angels on Sept. 1, 2013 in Kalispell. 

Tom was born in Kalispell on April 27, 1933, to Thomas and Pearl Thoreson.

Tom grew up in Somers.  He  played basketball for the Flathead Braves and later attended Libby High School and was well known as The Blonde Bomber. 

He graduated from Libby High School in 1951. Tom carried his love for sports throughout his adult life, “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” describes his love for sports.  

He coached Little League and was an active member on many leagues including softball, basketball, legion baseball, as well as becoming an outstanding bowler.  Tom had many Friday night bowling team buddies. If there was a game going on Tom enjoyed watching or playing. He worked for St. Regis Paper, Co., Champion International and Stimson Lumber until his retirement. 

Tom spent most of his adult life in Libby.   

He married Ethel Hudecek on Feb. 8, 1958, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The couple made their home in Libby where they raised three children, Lori, Don and Shari. Tom and his family spent many weekends enjoying quality family time fishing and picnicking up Pipe Creek.   

Tom married JoAnn Weston on April 20, 1993,  and moved to Kalispell where he spent the remainder of his years. Tom and Jo enjoyed traveling around the country and spending time visiting with JoAnn’s daughters, Terri (Rodney) Wiebenga, Peggi (Douglas) Weston-Kolarik and Debbi Weston; the step-granchildren he adored so much, Adam, Ryan, Jeremy, Andrew and Jordan.                                                                                                                                         

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Ethel.                                                                                                                                          

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Thoreson of Kalispell; sister, Arloene  (Click) Christianson of Kalispell; daughter, Lori Barrows of Libby; son Don (Tracy) Thoreson of Billings, and daughter Shari (John) Basham of Libby. 

Also surviving are grandchildren, Jeni (Rob) Bosley, Matthew Barrows, Alisha Alyea, Craig Barrows, Christopher Thoreson, Caelyn Thoreson, Taylor Thoreson, Angela Marshall and Kira Basham. 

Surviving great-grandchildren, Brittany, Kimberly, Wylee, Kase, Austin, Alyssa, Tanner, Jackson and Landyn.  

His special niece, Linda (Steve) Mauck and great-niece, Chelsey Mauck, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and lifelong friends.                               

A memorial in celebration of his life is planned for 1 p.m. Sept. 21, 2013, at Libby Christian Church, 100 Kootenai River Road.