Thomas Allen Aafedt, 77, Gretna, Nebraska formerly of Moorhead and Alvarado, MN passed Monday, December 18, 2023 at home.
On May 26, 1946 a baby boy was born and the doctor said, “Wait, there’s another one!” The other one was Tom. He had three older brothers; his twin, Terry, Roger and Charles. His parents were Clayton and Isabelle (Cooper) Aafedt. He grew up on their farm near Fordville, North Dakota. His father was a farmer and pilot. The boys were no strangers to farmwork and helping with the crop spraying business. In high school he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball and played sousaphone in the school band. After high school he attended Mayville State University. In 1968 he embarked on a 34 year teaching career that impacted many lives. He began teaching in Alvarado, Minnesota. His students mostly adored him. To this day he was often told, “You were my favorite teacher”.
In 1976 he met Jan on a blind date arranged by their cousins Ray and Gale. Five months later they eloped. Together they raised their daughter, Deena and several Westie children. Tom was a member of New Hope Lutheran Church and the Alvarado Lions Club. He and his brothers owned the Fordville Flying Service. When Tom retired from teaching he spent his time crop adjusting and selling imprinted promotional products. He always managed to connect with people no matter where he was. Many of his customers, agents, and farmers became good friends. His family always teased him saying that work was his favorite hobby.
Tom loved playing blackjack, but was not fond of people who didn’t know how to play. He also enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. In his later years he spent countless hours watching Minnesota Twins and Vikings games. Tom and Jan moved to Nebraska in May of 2020 to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law. Tom was beginning to warm up to the Huskers, Chiefs and Royals. After moving to Nebraska he dearly missed his Monday night poker group and his neighbors on 2 1/2 street. When he became homebound he loved connecting with friends and family via regular phone calls and texts.
Tom was first diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis in 1978. He successfully challenged himself, overcoming many obstacles along the way. Paraphrasing Frank Sinatra,“he did it (his) way!”.
Tom passed away on December 18, 2023 from complications of pulmonary sarcoidosis. He was under the care of hospice and Jan, who had the gift of being with him when his heart stopped beating. Let us not remember Tom with sadness but with the joy he brought to our lives, the lessons he taught us, and the love he shared with us. Rest in peace Tom.
Tom adored his family. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jan; daughter Deena (Scott) Francis; nieces and nephews Brad (Gayle) Aafedt, Jennifer (Craig) Ord, Shawn (Jeanette) Aafedt, Nicole (Pat) Wilkes, Stephanie (Levi) Murray, Sherrie (Mike) Murray; brother-in-law Gary (Carol) Knoll; sisters-in-law Shirley Aafedt, Diane Lizakowski, Donna Aafedt; special cousins; and great friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Charles, Roger, and Terry; niece Julie Aafedt; sisters-in-law Diane Aafedt, Janice Aafedt.
Memorials are not necessary, but if desired please donate to Fordville Quick Response Box 83 Fordville, ND 58231 or Warren Alvarado Oslo Education Foundation Box 125 Warren, MN 56762,
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 2:00 at Amundson Funeral Home. Visitation will be for the hour before the service at the funeral home. Following the service, a reception will take place at Kings Walk in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Private burial at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fordville, North Dakota.