Thomas Crane
August 15, 1938 ~ April 2, 2022
Thomas Joseph Crane, 83, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Dows, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Cottage Grove Place, Cedar Rapids, of T-cell lymphoma, Sezary syndrome, and Parkinson's disease. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 23 2022, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Hampton, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. at the church. A luncheon will follow the mass.
Survivors include his children, David (Gail) Crane and Mary Jo Crane; son-in-law, Doug Phillips; grandchildren, Drew (Bethannie) Phillips, Tara Crane, Lauren Netz, Brenden Phillips, and Anna Netz; siblings, Trish (Bob) Cavins, Mary Margaret Wallace, JoAnn Burson, Jim (Paula) Crane, and Suzi (Gary) James; and many nieces and nephews.
Tom as born on August 15, 1938, in Albia, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Margaret (Hartzer) Crane. He graduated from Chariton High School, earned his undergraduate degree from UNI Teacher's College, and his graduate degree from Iowa State University. He began his career teaching high school chemistry and physics in Shenandoah before moving into education administration. He served schools in Dows, Ottumwa, and Blakesburg.
Tom stayed very active throughout his life. He enjoyed fishing, doing woodworking projects, bicycling including many RAGBRAI's, riding his Honda Goldwing, and even skydiving a couple of times. Tom was also involved in the community over the years with Knights of Columbus and Rotary International.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Amy Phillips; former wife, Ruth Crane; and wife, Paulette Bridges.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hampton, Iowa.
Please share your support and memories with Tom's family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
So happy to be your sister in law, you was so sweet , and jim is so happy to have you as his brother. We live and miss you Tom . Love Paula and Jim
So sorry to hear this. Tom was a great guy.
In loving memory of Uncle Tom. He was an accomplished wood maker (he gave me a beautiful handmade spinner top), so a tree in his honor is perfect.
Boxer Enforcer (aka Tom Crane), You touched our hearts with your smile, your warm heart and your great sense of humor. We were lucky to know you and have you in our class. We will fight on and keep punching Parkinson’s Disease as fiercely as you did. I hope you are enjoying a cold beer as you rest in peace. -Coach Cyclone & all your coaches and friends at Rock Steady Boxing Mason City
what a gentle man he was. I Knew him thru boxing, a great sense of humor he had. I was luck to have gotten one of his shaker baskets
John and I extend our deepest sympathies to your family.
I was pleased to serve for several years on a committee here in Franklin Co with Tom. We shared many common beliefs and an off beat sense of humor. He came to my workshop and donated his time for a community project we worked on together. Sorry for your loss, as he was a wonderful man and a good friend. Charlie Wearda
Thinking of the years in Shenandoah. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. With sympathy
Our condolences to Tom’s family. We spent several years teaching with him in Shenandoah. He was a very energetic guy. I remember him transforming the courtyard at the new high school into a beautiful garden complete with a waterfall. Student council members helped him by unloading his flatbed beekeeping truck. We have good memories of fun times together.
Mary Jo and David, I am sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. I remember many fun times with your family when we were children. Yes, David I do remember you watching me suck my thumb. For your information, it was cherry flavored! chortle. If I recall correctly, an interest in photography forged a friendship between Gage and Tom. I recently ran across a picture of your dad that Gage had taken many years ago…I will try to find it and send it to you Mary Jo…you may share it with David. Interestingly, Gage also suffered from Parkinson’s. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Sarah
He was a tough instructor, but a refined man. Just like all other teacher’s and coaches I was under and making my way through youthdom if you will , I and other’ s better for knowing him. He cared. GARY JONES Class of 1978. Bless and Keep Mr. C.
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Crane’s passing. He was one of my favorite teachers in Shenandoah. He taught us Dimensional Analysis, and that logic (and other physics, I’m sure) helped me get through college and my career as a Civil Engineer. When I was in HS, we lived right across the street from Tom and his family. If he saw me walking as he was driving to school in his flatbed truck, he usually offered a ride. I wish I had known he rode RAGBRAI. I’ve ridden most years, and would loved to have met up with him sometime. Would have been fun to catch up as the miles rolled by. I hope the hills in heaven are low and the breezes at your back! Rest in Peace Mr. Crane! Lisa Falk-Thompson, Class of ’77.
Sorry for your loss. The Aust family has great memories of the Crane family in Shenandoah. May Tom Rest In Peace with the Risen Lord.
MJ, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. May the love and happy memories you have bring you peace at this difficult time. Love you my friend!!
Mary Jo and Davey, we are so so very sorry for your loss. Uncle Tom was such an important part of my childhood. You are all in our thoughts & prayers.
Mary Jo and David, I have fond memories of our families getting together at your house on Sundays for cinnamon rolls and fun playing together. I still think of you when I go by your old house in Shenandoah. Our parents had a wonderful friendship. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your dad.