John Thomas "Tom" Atwood Jr.

ATWOOD, BURKE, STREMPKE, GALLAGHER, MARTINEZ, SWOMLEY, NISWONGER, ROMMAN

Posted By: dbeier (email)
Date: 2/18/2008 at 14:19:27

John Thomas "Tom" Atwood Jr., age 83 of Marion, formerly of Independence, died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, from complications following an accident. Tom was born on July 2, 1924, in Vinton, the son of John Thomas and Minnie Mary (Burke) Atwood. He married Bettyann Helen Strempke on May 29, 1946, in Waterloo. Tom farmed near Independence with his father until 1960 when he became employed by the State of Iowa at the Mental Health Institute, Independence, in the Occupational Therapy department. He retired from MHI in 1986. Tom was a musician, artist, woodworker/carpenter and clocksmith. He found his greatest joy in his home and family. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Reiff Funeral Home, 216 3rd Ave. SE, Independence. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at First Baptist Church, with interment in Mount Hope Cemetery, both in Independence. Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years; his daughter, Melody Atwood; his son and daughter-in-law, John Timothy and Claire Atwood; 4 grandchildren, Kacey Gallagher, Chad Martinez, Madison Atwood and Morgan Atwood; one great-grandchild, Pele Martinez; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his three sisters, Edith Swomley, Isabelle Niswonger and Thelma Romman; and an infant daughter, Kathleen Mary.