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Thomas Nolan

November 6, 1960 ~ December 5, 2023

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/

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  1. We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids

  2. So sorry for your loss. my brother Bob used to see him all the time at Fareway. It’s a terrible loss.Tom was a person that reminded me of Andy Griffith. He’was always the best in sports, always humble to everyone and always flashed that big smile everytime he came around.he will be sorely missed.
    Matt,Bob,Dan,Kerry and the rest of the Sindelar’s

  3. Tom was like the type of all American I use to see in sitcoms growing up. He shared his love of cooking and food with my husband Jake. He was there beside his brother Brian and supported him as he taught his son about how to survive this crazy world we live in. His love and kindness will live on in the people he loved. I believe that so deeply. You’ll be missed Tom. Thanks for loving Brian and Jake – for being there. Sending hugs to you wherever you are and to your family who is missing you so much.

  4. So sorry for this terrible loss. I send my sincere condolescenes to Tom’s and friends. I grew up with Tom and you could not find a nicer person than he was. I always believed he was one of most talented basketball players Linn Mar had. Over the years I saw him frequently at Fareway and he always asked about my parents and to make sure they knew he said “hi”. Always the most nice and caring person. We lost one of the best. RIP Tommy.

  5. My condolences to Tom’s family and friends. I know Tom from our high school and basketball days at Linn-Mar schools. Tom was friendly and accepting of everyone, a class act. I’ll never forget Tom swishing a buzzer-beating hail mary shot from 15 ft. behind the half court line!

  6. Tom’s family lived up the street from me. I saw him & Jim every day boarding/riding the school bus to and from Linn Mar High School. Our bus driver was Mr. Blynn (Rick Blynn’s dad). I also had multiple classes with him during our high school years. He excelled at any sport he played and recognized as a “All-American athlete”. He hung out with a pretty close-knit group of guys, considered “jocks”, who were fellow teammates on football, basketball & baseball teams he played on. He was handsome, soft-spoken, and a loyal friend to many. When you talked to him, he was engaging and sincere. He would flash that winning smile and warm up the room! We went our separate ways after high school.

    My Mom has been playing bridge with Tom’s mom over the last 15-20 years and I would hear random updates about the Nolan family. I just want his family to know Tom was a great guy, a real “gentle” man and treasured by those he touched – he will be sorely missed. I will gladly donate a grove of trees in Tom’s memory. Nolan family, my deepest condolences for your heavy loss.

    Your all in my prayers,

    Jen Otis Conwell

  7. My deepest condolences. Tom was a gentle giant and kind soul. I’m sure he was a wonderful son, a good brother & I know he was a great friend to many!


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