Thomas 'Tom' Donald Thoreson Jr., 80

Tom went to "fly with the angels" the early morning of 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 Company, Champion International and Stimpson 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 their 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 and Rodney Wiebenga, Peggi and Douglas Weston-Kolarik, and Debbi Weston, and the step-grandchildren 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, and Click Christianson, of Kalispell; daughter, Lori Barrows, of Libby; son, Don, and Tracy Thoreson, of Billings; and daughter, Shari, and John Basham, of Libby; grandchildren, Jeni and Rob Bosley, Matthew Barrows, Alisha Alyea, Craig Barrows, Christopher Thoreson, Caelyn Thoreson, Taylor Thoreson, Angela Marshall and Kira Basham; great-grandchildren, Brittany, Kimberly, Wylee, Kase, Austin, Alyssa, Tanner, Jackson and Landyn; his special niece, Linda, and husband, 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, at Libby Christian Church, 100 Kootenai River Road.