Thomas Krumboltz

Thomas "Tom" Dale Krumboltz, age 74 of Fairfield, passed away Monday, September 2, 2013 at Parkview Care Center, Fairfield, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 am, Saturday, September 7, 2013 at the First Lutheran Church with Pastor Stacy Grau officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield, Iowa with military rites by the 34th Army Band, Iowa Army National Guard.

Visitation for family and friends will be 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Friday, September 6, 2013 at Behner Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Mildred Krumboltz Scholarship Fund, Fairfield Senior Center or National Parkinson Foundation. Cards and memorials can be sent to 1945 Gear Ave., Fairfield, Iowa 52556

Tom was born January 24, 1939 to Dale Lawrence and Mildred Amelia (Wildman) Krumboltz in Fairfield, IA. He married Karen Louise Pampel July 1, 1967 at the Methodist Church, Williams, Iowa.

He graduated from Fairfield High School and went to Iowa State University majoring in Ag Engineering. After graduating from ISU he lived in Webster City and Creston, Iowa for 12 years as an Allis Chalmers District Manager. In 1973 he moved back to Fairfield and was a self-employed farmer for 40 years.

Tom served 43 distinguished years with the 34th Army Band, Iowa National Guard in Fairfield, Iowa. This illustrious career was highlighted with the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Iowa State Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. However, Old Tom will be best remembered for his loyalty and dedication to the 34th Army Band and the United States of America. His contagious spirit, enthusiasm and mentorship left an indelible impression on all members and resonates throughout the organization yet today.

Tom pioneered "No Till" farming during his career with Allis Chalmers. He demonstrated this innovation at countless test plots across Iowa and the Farm Progress Show. Tom implemented "No-Till" as he began his farming operation in rural Fairfield. He loved working on the farm and was an FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer, Iowa Soil Conservation Award winner and Iowa Master Corn Grower.

Tom's energy for life and people was never ending, including more practical jokes than we could keep up with. Morning and afternoon coffee breaks, attending his kids' extracurricular activities, bowing his head to Jesus, 'moving dirt', and sharing encouraging words to those who needed it were a weekly, if not daily, routine. He also encouraged other things, too, such as Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, a cold beer, and as you know, political talk. A pleasure for Tom were kids, from babies to those ready to waterski. He felt compelled to give all who were willing, the chance at this sport he loved, by teaching them to get up on skis. As contagious as his laugh and as much as his wit lifted spirits, his spirituality lifted hearts. God and family were always at the forefront of his thoughts.

Tom was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church (Fairfield) and was a past council member, Elks Lodge #1192 and Farm Bureau. He was also a member of the Lions Club and served as a Tail Twister.

Tom is survived by wife: Karen Krumboltz; 2 sons: Brent (Mindy) Krumboltz of Beardstown, IL and Sean (Lori) Krumboltz of Fairfield; 1 daughter: Krista (Mark) Wyman of Gardnerville, NV; 11 grandchildren: Raegan & Brock Krumboltz of Beardstown, IL, Allison Krumboltz, Ashlee Hardeman, AJ, Abbey and Andrew Jackson of Fairfield, Iowa, Alex Wyman of Julesburg, CO and Rylee, Brody and Dani Wyman of Gardnerville, NV; 2 sisters: Jane (Bob)Carmichael of Shenandoah, Iowa and Sue (Gary) Swanson of Willow Park, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents