Thomas Nolan

Thomas Patrick Nolan, 63, of Marion, Iowa, died on December 5, 2023, at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Tom was a 1980 graduate of Linn-Mar High School. After high school he moved to Florida to have adventures in the sunshine state with his brother and best friend, Jim. Tom's best times were spent enjoying the sun, cooking, biking, music and Cyclone football with his family. He was a natural in the kitchen and upon moving back to Iowa, he began working as a cook in various restaurants in the Cedar Rapids area, most notably the acclaimed Lincoln Cafe in Mt. Vernon. Tom's family was treated to many magnificent meals on holidays, or any day, created with his culinary talents. One of Tom's proudest moments was when two of his passions, cooking and music, converged when the famed zydeco singer, Buckwheat Zydeco, came to town for a concert. Tom sent Buckwheat an invitation to a backyard party where he'd prepared a Cajun feast for the day of the show'and Buckwheat showed up! It was a dream come true for Tom. Tom was the oldest of eight children born to Patrick and Carole Nolan, of Marion, Iowa. He leaves behind his mother and six siblings, Jim Nolan (wife Patti) of Bradenton, Florida, Mike Nolan of Cedar Rapids, Kaye Nolan of Denton, Texas, Sue Nolan of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bob Nolan of Weston, Florida, and Anne Donovan (husband John) of Derby, Connecticut as well as eight nieces and nephews, Jake, Maureen, Ian, Jack, Erin, Oskar, Simon and Bertie - all of whom loved him beyond measure. He is preceded in death by his father in 2006 and brother, Brian Nolan in 2021. In his death Tom was able to donate his kidneys. They each helped two people have a chance at a better life. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to ASAC, The Area Substance Abuse Council, at the link https://asac.networkforgood.com/