Thomas William SHIRER

SHIRER, NIEMAN, VASKE, SHIRER-VASKE, NIEMAN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/26/2014 at 18:00:47

December 10, 1951 --- February 23, 2014

Thomas William Shirer, 62, of Britt passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2014, at Hancock County Health Systems in Britt. A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West in Britt. A time of remembrance will begin at 7:00 PM and the family invites everyone to share their cherished memories of Tom.

He was born December 10, 1951, in Belmond, IA to William and Edith Shirer. He attended Belmond School and graduated from Ellsworth College. After graduating from college he began to work at Hancock County Secondary Roads where he was the shop foreman. This became his lifetime career.

Tom married his college sweetheart, Avis Nieman, in 1972. To this union, one daughter was born, Jennifer Shirer-Vaske. Tom’s hobbies included shooting trap and skeet. He was a lifetime member of the Ventura Gun Club. He enjoyed hunting; especially hunting geese, deer and coyote. His passion was riding his motorcycle with his gang of buddies; Eddie, Mike, Ole, Darl and Gary, which included a trip to Sturgis. Tom’s philosophy in life was never about the destination, instead he preferred to focus on the journey. Tom had a love affair with the Colorado Rockies. He and Avis were able to make two motorcycle trips to the majestic mountains. He loved to look for animals, especially the big horn sheep or moose. It was a special place for them and they enjoyed their final visit together in 2013.

He is survived by his wife, Avis; daughter, Jennifer; son-in-law Andy Vaske; three grandsons, Nolan (8), Jaxson (6) and Preston (2); brother, Steve Shirer and wife Karen of Circle Pines, MN; brother, Mike Shirer and wife Karen of Cambridge, MA. He is also survived by nieces, Elizabeth and Allison; father-in-law, Richard Nieman; brother-in-law, Marv Nieman and wife Linda and nephew, Greg Nieman. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ewing Funeral Home
http://www.ewingfh.com/obituaries.php?id=700