Baack, Thomas W. 1951-2015

BAACK, DELPERDANG, HINKEN

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 5/24/2015 at 16:12:09

LeMars Sentinel
February 23, 2015

Thomas W. Baack, 63, of Le Mars, died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center, in Sioux City, following a brief illness.

Thomas W. Baack was born Aug. 29, 1951, in Le Mars, to Kenneth G. and Bonnie (Hinken) Baack. He graduated from Le Mars High School in 1969 and furthered his education at Iowa State University, where he majored in civil engineering. After school he took a position with his father in the construction field.

On Aug. 30, 1975, Tom and Janet Delperdang were united in marriage at Assumption Catholic Church, in Merrill. They made their home in Le Mars.

Tom began his military career with the Iowa Army National Guard, 1330 2nd Mechanized. He transferred to the 3rd Battalion, 14th Field Artillery, 205th Infantry Brigade, in Sioux City.

Tom attained the rank of First Sergeant. He served as the 1SG of Alpha Battery, in Sac City, and was section chief of the Meteorology Section (MET).

He spent two years on special assignment to the 88th ARCOM, Fort Snelling, Minn., formalizing a computer based program for training soldiers.

1SG Baack was instrumental in mobilizing the 482 Transportation Company to Iraq as the unit administrator.

Tom was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (Flight 232, Sioux City), National Defense Medal and the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara Medal.

He was extremely active with the American Legion and member of Wasmer Post #241, in Le Mars, having served as past commander, past adjutant and current member.

When he wasn't serving fellow soldiers, Tom enjoyed woodworking, daily walks with his dog, computer work, target shooting and playing cards at the Legion.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 39 years, Janet, of Le Mars; a son and his wife, Matthew and Amy, of Omaha, Neb.; a granddaughter, Clara; siblings, Jerry Baack, of Denver, Colo., Kathy Erick, of Las Vegas, Nev., Rick and Diane Baack, of Le Mars, Sue and Rick Gabel, of Akron, Beth and Ed Williams, of Hawarden, George and Laurie Baack, of Toledo, and Chris and Gene Harms, of Le Mars, mother-in-law, Verda Delperdang, of Le Mars; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jim and Julie Delperdang, of Okoboji, Susan and Dave Albers, of Sioux Falls, S.D., Patti and Tom Coppock, of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Cindy and Chuck Weber, of Wichita, Kan.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; brother, Brian; sister, Julie; and a nephew, Brian Gabel.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at All Saints Parish -- St. James Catholic Church, in Le Mars. The Rev. Paul Eisele will officiate. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date.

Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Mauer -- Johnson Funeral Home, in Le Mars. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral service on Wednesday.

Military honors will be provided by Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion.

Pallbearers will be Jack Hanson, Jack Guenthner, Larry Ruchti, Rollie Detloff, Gene Harms and Gary Konz.