Tom Stanford
August 18, 1952 ~ June 23, 2023
Thomas 'Tom' Stanford, 70, of Mount Vernon, Iowa, passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023, at his home.Tom was born on August 18, 1952, the son of Donald and Phoebe (Hyde) Stanford. He was united in marriage to Mary McGrath on June 19, 1976, in Cedar Rapids.
Tom was the Food Service Director at Four Oaks until his retirement in 2010. Family was his greatest joy, spending holidays, get togethers and trips together. Watching his three children grow up with the best cousins, aunts and uncles meant so much. Time spent with the Kaiden, McGrath, and Stanford families was priceless. As a loyal Hawkeye fan, Tom and his brother Steve attended Iowa basketball games for years. Since cooking and good food was a passion he enjoyed so much, dinner parties with the Hopkins and the Ketelsens were a treasured memory. After moving to Mount Vernon, Tom found a daily outing to the Yock's Landing entertaining, swapping stories with friends.
Tom is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Mollie and husband Mark of Tower, Minnesota, Abby of San Francisco, California, and Scott and wife Sarah of Eagan, Minnesota; and twin grandchildren, Isla and Elliot.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Steve; parents-in-law, Horace and Dorothy McGrath.In Tom's memory, memorials may be made to the Indian Creek Nature Center https://indiancreeknaturecenter.org/join-give/donate/ or a charity of your choice.
Special thanks to Dr. Richmann, Dr. Bansal and Dr. Cogdill, Unity Point Hospice and the amazing staff at St. Lukes Pharmacy.
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 – Mount Vernon
When I first met Tom we both were working for Wendy’s on 42nd St NE, this was many moons ago. But he moved on to better opportunities. He was always a very nice person to work for and will be remembered by many people for year’s to come. To his family I am so sorry for your loss. He and Willard can now swap stories forever.
Shine bright Tom and you and Willard have fun.
Lucy Vislisel
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Mary, Abby, Mollie & Scott- we are thinking of you! Sending all our love.
I pray that you will find comfort in the memories you have of your husband and father, and peace knowing that he is reunited with his heavenly family.
Mary and family my loving thoughts as you grieve Tom’s loss. Your relocation to MV gave Bill a brother in friendship. Bill’s fondness for daily conversation was for both of them in sickness and health. Each evening I learned of their conversation. I know God’s Heavenland has them together again. May their spirits flourish together.
Many many memories of growing up next door to the Standford’s. Tom and I were in the same grade and had our annual pictures taken the first day of school till we were seniors in high school! Growing up he was kind of my “protector” at times and we always had many good conversations about the other kids in our classes. I would see Mary at St. Luke’s, where I still work, and she would keep me updated on Tom’s health. My thoughts and prayers to you, Mary and your family and you deal with this loss. I pray you have family and friends around you that will help you along the way. I know you have many good and loving memories of Tom that will help you get through each day.
Keeping you in my thoughts. Xxx,
Dear Mary,
I only knew Tom through the eyes of Kim and Susi, but their eyes gave me a picture of a very special man. I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like many memories of Tom will be keeping him near and dear to the hearts of you and
the other Three Ingredient Dinner participants. I hope you will find peace in these memories, as well as the love of these friends.
With healing hugs,
Carol Leggett ( Susi’s mom)
Abby, you and your family are in our thoughts during this difficult time. A donation in your dad’s name has been made to the Indian Creek Nature Preserve to honor him.
With deepest sympathies,
April and Kelsey Bell
Scott and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. I hope you have many, many warm memories to help you through your grief.
Jamin Johnson
Scott, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m praying for you and your entire family.
I’m so saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. Tom and I spent much of our free time together during elementary school years. We watched Dr. Max after school, shot baskets in his basement, camped out on Indian Creek and worked on our scout badges together. We even had a ‘job’ cleaning the erasers at Emerson School on Friday evenings in exchange for free access to the basement basketball hoop. Tom was always a good friend and I missed him when my family moved from Marion after 7th grade. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Dan Kohl
Tom and I worked together in the restaurant business ( Judy’s Hamburgers in the mid to late 70’s. Tom had a gift of making friends and had a very infectious smile.
I had the privilege of getting to know Mary and found out that her family was the McGraths, of whom I previously knew Cathy & Pat from our Regis High school days.
I guarantee you Tom is in Heaven waiting for all of us so we can enjoy his great presence again.