Thomas Grogan
December 18, 1918 ~ September 1, 2011
Thomas Grogan, 92, of Miller, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2011 at his home with his daughter Gayleen and her husband, Winston at his side.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church, Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial followed at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller with military honors. Visitation and Celebration of Life was held at 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 5, 2011 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.
Thomas Leroy was born December 18, 1918 in Sanborn, Iowa to Cornelius and Ellen (Harns) Grogan. His mother passed away in a car/train accident when Tom was only nine years old. Tom’s father subsequently remarried Ann Block and the family moved to Vayland, South Dakota.
On July 3, 1941, Tom married Letha Ilene Anderberg. They enjoyed 65 years together until Ilene’s death in September of 2006. Tom spent three years in the 1930’s in the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC). On May 15, 1942, Tom was drafted into the United States Army. During WWII, Tom served in England and in Oran, Africa. He received an honorable discharge on October 24, 1945. He was very proud to have served his country and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for 69 years.
After returning from the war, Tom and Ilene moved to the Ree Heights area for several years. Later moving to the south Hand County area where he worked until he retired in 1983 and moved to Miller. Tom loved his community and his door was always open for visitors.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as an usher for many years and where ever he was needed.
Grateful for sharing in his life are his three children: Larry (Velia) Grogan of California, Gayleen (Winston) Ward of Michigan, and Michael (Lerma) Grogan of Louisiana; five grandchildren: Mathew (Cathy) Grogan, Jamie (Roger) Moore, Jim (Kim) Cross, Melissa (Steve) Ottjepka, and Ashley (John) Lambert; five great grandchildren: David, Julie and Olivia Cross and Mason and Maddox Moore; two half-brothers: Cornelius “Jr” Grogan of Iroquois, SD and Robert “Bob” Grogan of Denver, CO; step brother, Kenny Snyder; step-sister, Phyllis Snyder; sister-in-law, Iris Grogan and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; step mother; wife; brothers, John and Lynn; and sisters, Margaret and Doris.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the VFW/American Legion, c/o VSO, 415 W. 1st Ave, Miller, SD 57362.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Thom’s arrangements.
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Family of Mr. “Tom” Grogan:
I would like to be there, but a Dr. Appointment came up . Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Your father always greeted/visited with me when I was in Miller. Gayleen, I would sure have liked to visit with you, since it has been many years since St. Lawrence Days. Mike, I was glad you made it to SLHS Reunion.
John 3:16 – God Loves the world
He Gave His only son, Just believe His Word -We will not perish…But have Everlasting Life. Amen! (My own words to verse)
Cliff and Sandy Vitters
I am SO happy that I was able to get to Miller and see my (step) Grandpa Tom again before he left this world to be with his loved ones in Heaven. I’m glad I got to know him.
With her hubby (my Dad) by her side, Gayleen was the ultimate angel-nurse and constant caregiver, and she was a most devoted Daddy’s Girl, right until the end. And it also made him happy that his sons, Mike & Larry, had very recently come to visit, too. Grandpa Tom was proud of his children and his grandchildren, that was clear to everyone who ever spoke to him or anyone who knew him.
What a great community of friends he has there in Miller. I saw the love there each time I visited. Tom Grogan sure was an important and treasured piece of Miller, that was for sure….not to mention a war hero for America.
Tom Grogan was quite a tall drink of water and he had a dry and witty sense of humor. His mind was still quick and clear, and he could always catch you off guard with it!
I’m glad I got to be in a little part of such a wonderful man’s life. God bless Tom Grogan and his family.
Gratefully,
Susan (Ward)
my condolences to the grogan family.
Mike,Gayleen & Larry,
Sending my condolences to you. I did get to see Tom a couple of times when I was up for our class reunion a couple of years ago. I enjoy visiting with him if only for a few minutes. He always had a smile and a sense of humor and you all were great neighbors. My sympathy to you all.
Tom Evans