Tom Bartholomew
September 8, 1939 ~ November 3, 2016
Tom Bartholomew, 77, of Faulkton, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Celebration of Tom's Life was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Faulkton, with Father Christopher Hughes officiating. Burial followed at St. Thomas Cemetery, Faulkton. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Faulkton.
"How does one measure the worth of one's life? Is it how much money you make, or how famous you are, or how big a house you live in, or how expensive a car you drive? I don't think so...you ask yourself: if you've helped a few people along the way, if you've provided for your family and tried to be a good example for them, if maybe you end up leaving your one small corner of the world better than you found it, isn't that what it's all about?" - Tom Bartholomew
Robert Thomas "Tom" Bartholomew - loving son and brother, devoted husband, caring father, passionate outdoorsman and athlete, man of faith and fellowship and a true friend to all - passed away Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. He was 77.
Tom was born September 8, 1939 in Phillip, SD to George and Grace (Bessie) Bartholomew. The second of eleven siblings, Tom grew up in Lemmon, SD. He graduated from Lemmon High School in 1957 and was an All-State basketball player his senior year. Tom received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from South Dakota State College in 1961. In June of the same year, he married Linda Johnson - the love of his life - and in October 1961 they moved to Faulkton, SD. Tom had selected Faulkton for its great pheasant hunting, and many noon lunch breaks found him out in the fields, with Linda at the wheel and Tom "riding shotgun."
First hired as a pharmacist for the Faulkton Rexall Drug, Tom and Linda bought the business in 1965, which they owned and operated as husband and wife for over forty years. Under their stewardship, the drugstore became the hub of the community and "Drugstore Tom" quickly became an integral part of the community. Not only did he dispense medication, he gave out daily doses of humor, trivia, wisdom, advice and love. Tom was a gifted storyteller and an equally generous listener to everyone who crossed his path.
In 1962, Tom and Linda welcomed their daughter Stacey into the world. Sons Scott and Steven followed in 1963 and 1966. Tom spent mornings, lunch breaks, evenings and weekends with his children, fishing, shooting hoops, playing catch or simply going for a country drive. He cherished time around the table, whether for a dinner of roast beef and potatoes or a glass of Crown Royal.
His love of sports was always at the forefront of his life. When the local high school boys would hang out at the store, he reveled in talking with them about how things were going - be it football, basketball, baseball or track. For many years, he would pack his car with kids and take them to the State "B" basketball tournament in Sioux Falls or Rapid City. Lasting friendships were forged during these years and continued into their adulthood.
Tom’s fervent devotion to the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins lasted his entire life. With innumerable trips to Metropolitan Stadium, the Metrodome and Target Field, Tom proudly waved purple and gold flags, red and blue pennants and was the proud owner of the infamous “Viking Car.” Through the wins and losses, Tom found joy in the camaraderie that his beloved Twins and Vikings provided.
When his own boys were old enough, he started the tradition of taking the grade school basketball teams to the YMCA tournament in Aberdeen. For many of these kids, Tom gave them their first chance to go out of town, stay in a motel and play basketball against kids from across the state. Although it's been many years since Tom stopped coaching, the YMCA trips continue and include girls’ basketball teams as well.
Upon moving to Faulkton, Tom immediately became involved in all aspects of the community. He joined organizations, participated in league bowling and played basketball in the winter and baseball in the summer for the local amateur teams. He worked six days a week as a pharmacist and business owner. He acted in Community Theater and was a NOAA award-winning weatherman. He became involved with - and held offices in - Knights of Columbus, the Community Club, the Arts Council and the Lions Club. He coached Little League baseball and boys’ basketball, instructed the Hunter's Safety Course, was coordinator of the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited, served on the Campaign Steering Committee for the Faulkton Area Medical Centers and was a lector at St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church. When the community was struggling because of a shortage of healthcare professionals a number of years ago, this man was the "go-to" guy if someone needed medical advice. Even after retiring, he would still get calls and answer questions.
Tom exemplified helping others. He took kids out fishing - many catching their first fish with Tom. He hired kids to work at the drugstore and mentored many future pharmacists. On countless occasions, he delivered medicine to someone in need, even when they couldn't pay. Many were the nights when his children would find a wayfaring stranger sleeping in their house, having been welcomed by Tom in their moment of need.
Tom made his small corner of the world better.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Linda Bartholomew; their children: Stacey Bartholomew, Arvada, CO, Scott (Lydia) Bartholomew, Denver, CO, and Steven (Andrea) Bartholomew, Narragansett, RI; siblings: Marie Wolbach, Palo Alto, CA, Jean (Larry) Fritz, Lemmon, SD, Ralph (Fern) Bartholomew, Powell, WY, Chuck (Leslie) Bartholomew, Las Vegas, NV, Susan Schopp, Cavalier, ND, Ken (Twyla) Bartholomew, Ft. Pierre, SD, Don (Sue Fraiser) Bartholomew, Chandler, AZ, David (Marian) Bartholomew, Faulkton, SD, and Teresa Bartholomew, Faulkton, SD; grandchildren: Thomas and Bethany Fristad (Stacey), Denver, CO, Justin O’Donnell and Anna Bartholomew (Steven), Narragansett, RI; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Grace Bartholomew; brother, Bill Bartholomew; sister-in-law, Liz Bartholomew; and brother-in-law, Bob Wolbach.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Faulkton Area Medical Center Foundation, PO Box 100, Faulkton, SD 57438, and/or the Faulkton Area Foundation (economic development), PO Box 458, Faulkton. The most impactful way you can honor Tom’s memory is to continue to love, serve, tell stories, take a kid fishing, and share a smile. The family would cherish any favorite “Tom stories" that you wish to send them.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Tom’s arrangements.
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Classmate, SDSU Pharmacy class of 1961 Condolences to Linda and family.
Hugs and prayers to all the Bartholomew families, Working with Tom and Linda at the drug store for several years, I have some great memories I will never forget…even though he was a Viking fan and I was a Bear fan, we looked out for each other!!! RIP my dear friend….
Linda & Family- Our deepest sympathies to you all during this difficult time! Tom was a great person who will be truly missed! You are in our thoughts and prayers! ~Slade, Kayla, Sean, Rhyann & Selleck Roseland
Linda and family, Our hearts are heavy with the news of Tom’s passing. His cheerful demeanor and joyful attitude toward life, the outdoors, hunting,fishing, the Jackrabbits, Twins and the Vikings made almost any conversation with him a treat. He had more stories to tell than there was time to tell them all. I will always remember the trip Tom, Linda and I took across the state to Spearfish for a conference. Tom spent half of the trip telling hunting and fishing tales and the other half of the trip placing his arm across my field of view as he pointed out salient spots where a big fish was caught, or a deer was taken. I spent all of the trip asking Linda for help from the back seat to keep his hands and arms in his lap and laughing at the tall tales he spun. It made the trip very enjoyable when we finally outran the sun and he couldn’t point to any specific spot north or south of Highway 212. I knew then that we would make it to Spearfish without an accident. I also knew that on the way back I wouldn’t have to duck since he’d already told us all of the special spots to fish or hunt on the way west! I’ll miss his enthusiasm for the Twins and especially him tooling around town in his Vikings car. You are in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead!
Linda and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We always got a chuckle when we saw him drive his purple Vikings car. He was an outstanding citizen in our community, and we will surely miss him..
Linda I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Arleta
Scott, Lydia and Family- We wish you all of Gods peace and comfort now and in the weeks to come. Love Katie and Steve
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Tom. What a huge loss to the family and our community. He will be greatly missed by all. May our thoughts and prayers bring you comfort and peace. In Deepest Sympathy,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Tom. He was a great guy and loved by all. The family is in my thoughts and prayers. May the memories bring you peace. God Bless! Debbi (Biedenfeld) Runner
Linda & Family- Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. Tom was such a bright spot and asset to the community. He always had a kind word or smile for everyone that walked in his path of life. My thoughts are with all of you at this time of sorrow. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort. God speed
Linda & Family, We are so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing! Tom had a way of making friends out of strangers, a story or lesson for every occasion, and concoction for "almost" every ailment. His kindness and laughter touched so many, he will truly be missed! Our sincerest condolences, John & Konni Giesen
Linda and family, I am so so sorry for your loss and sad for our community. Tom will be deeply missed! I will keep your family in my prayers.
Linda, I wish we could be there for you and family. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Lloyd
My deepest sympathies to the entire Bartholomew family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bartholomew family. Tom will always be a part of Faulkton history along with the purple Vikings car!
So sorry for your loss! He was a fun loving person who will be greatly missed! RIP Tom. Hugs and prayers to all!!
The Cornelius family was very close to the Bartholomew family. Both families had Drug Stores in Lemmon, SD at the same time. Enjoyed going to the soda fountain afterschool and having cherry cokes and frozen peanut butter cups. Was never old enough to go to the basement teen center, but heard from lots of kids how fun it was! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
The town of Faulkton lost an Icon – He will be missed by not only his family and friends but the entire community. My thoughts are with you – rest in peace Tom.
Thinking of Tom’s family. He was a great guy!!
To the Bartholomew family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping all of you in my prayers. Even tho I haven’t lived in Faulkton since I graduated in 1978, I will always remember Tom at the drugstore behind the counter either whistling or singing and always saying hello to you with a smile. Faulkton has truly lost a legend.
Tom will be greatly missed by the Faulkton community and us Run-A-Ways who always come back to visit. One year, I didn’t bring enough medication with me, I went to see Tom, He went above and beyond to make sure I had what I needed. He was an asset to Faulkton right up to the end. God Speed his soul to Heaven. R.I.P., Tom!!
Words can’t describe how much Tom meant to the community and to those of us who knew him. A part of him will always live in those of us who knew him. A life fully lived!!
Growing up in Faulkton, Tom was one of the really good people in my life. I have so many good memories of him. He was fun to be around and always had a positive take on life. He was always very encouraging to me. He will really be missed.
My condolences to Tom’s family…May he RIP…
Our most sincere sympathy to the family of Tom Bartholomew. May your good memories and God’s love and grace help ease your loss.
So sorry about this.. Tom will be missed and was a great asset for Faulkton. He will be missed. Larry
Such sad news! Faulkton will never be the same! Deepest sympathy to Linda and family.
Sympathy for your loss Linda and family. Tom was looking forward to the SDSU pharmacy class of 1961 reunion. His presence was greatly missed as were his stories. Marlene Hansen Schlenker, class of 1961
Hugs to you all! Beverly
marsojean@gmail.com Prayers for all of your family from the Marso family. So sorry for your loss, our deepest condolences.
My deepest sympathies go out to Linda and family. It’s hard to think of Faulkton without Tom. I always think of what people say about the great Vin Scully after talking with him… That he made you feel like the most important person in the room. And there was never a dull moment being around him. I loved listening to his stories. The entertaining part was not necessarily the story, but how they were told. What a full life he had. He will be greatly missed.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of Tom. His presence will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Such a loss and such great memories. This is one of my favorite memories of Tom’s generosity In the Spring of 1975, I was headed home to our farm on a break from college. Because of a snowstorm, I was stranded in Faulkton. I walked into the drug store to use the phone. Even though I was a Cresbard kid going to USD and did not know Tom very well at the time, Tom insisted that I stay at the Bartholomew home until the roads were cleared (which was several days later). That was typical Tom and Linda.
Thoughts and prayers to your family. What a wonderful person God has taken. I will always remember his genuine smile
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Tom. He was such a people person, kind, and community oriented. His warm smile always invited new people into his heart. He is missed. Our prayers and with Linda and all of the family.
God musta need Superman — a Super! Man! A guy as great at Tom doesn’t come along very often. Feel blessed that he was yours, that you got to experience all of that wonderfulness that was Tom. Cherish the memories and take things one step at a time. Merrideth
Linda & Family I don’t even know where to begin to describe my fond memories and appreciation to have had Tom in my life with memories as far back as I can remember. When Mom worked at the Drug Store I remember on countless occasions going back and asking Tom a million question and he would answer every single one of them regardless of what he had going on. As the years passed and after Mom was no longer working with Tom & Linda I still loved coming in to talk sports. My favorite memory that I still think of often is when you included me in one of your Minneapolis trips my senior year in high school. That was my first NBA game (T Wolves vs Spurs) and my first NFL game (Vikings vs Da Bears). Tom handled that Bears win very well because he had two kids with him that were Bears fans and he cared more about us having a fun first experience than he ever did about the final score. That trip still remains as one of my best memories and I still could never describe how thankful I am for you two including me. I will always carry fond memories of Tom and I can certainly say he no doubt left his corner of the world a much better place than he found it. Love you all and may comfort come to you during this difficult time Todd Biedenfeld
Linda and family, tom was a true friend to me and a lot of others. He took me fishing numerous times. In 1987 he asked me to go with him to the first SD All star football game. He kept telling me that I would be playing in it the following year. He believed in me like he did so many others. I am honored to have know Tom and lucky enough to be a friend. My deepest sympathy to Linda and the family. He truely was one of a kind!
Linda, Stacey, Scott and Steven, My heart is heavy for all of you. Tom was a giant of a humanitarian,.. it is such a cogent reminder for me to live life as fully and passionately as Tom did. His family was his greatest joy. His community will miss him acutely with all of you. I keep you all in my prayers.
Linda, Stacey, Scott and Steven… I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I have many fond memories of Tom, our families getting together, and the many stories or jokes Tom had to tell. It meant so much to all of us (especially Mom and Dad) when you came to Linton for their 50th anniversary (My boys enjoyed hearing from Tom about Grandpa Baer’s younger years)! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap you in His arms and give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Tom will be missed by so many, and the memories will always be treasured. God Bless! ~Tammi Baer Schuetz
My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the Bartholomew family. Every time I think of Tom, I’ll think about when I would walk in the drugstore and when he saw me, he would smile and tell the nearest person about me as a kid getting accidentally locked in the store at closing time because I was sitting in the corner reading comic books. But, mainly I’ll remember him for his kindness and generosity and his Vikings car. He will be greatly missed.
The Marso family’s deepest sympathy to all of you. I remember Tom very fondly and all of the Bartholomew family.
What a tragic loss for the community and all who had an opportunity to know Tom. I always enjoyed our visits in the drug store growing up. While nearly all of our conversations were about sports, he always took the time to ask how everything else was going. Rest in Peace, Tom.
Just learned of Mr. Bartholomew’s passing. Please be assured of our prayers, Linda, Stacey, Scott, Steven and families. Although I grew up down the road in Redfield, once Bob and I started dating, I was quickly introduced to the Bartholomew family. And once introduced, I was treated like family. A family member always had time to catch up and see how we were doing, and genuinely cared. You have a beautiful family. Your husband, father, grandfather, etc… will be missed. ~Melanie (Hansen) Schraeder
My condolences to the entire Bartholomew family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Rest in peace "Bones", from class of 56.
so sorry to hear of your loss praying for all
Sounds like a wonderful man who lived a beautiful life with an amazing family. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bartholomew family.
Stacey,Thomas and Bethany, we are so saddened to learn of your father/grandfather’s death. Our hearts ache for your sudden and unexpected loss. Love and prayers to each of you.
This perfectly describes the Tom I was fortunate to know for just a short time, yet in that time he made a lasting impression, one for which I am forever grateful. Peace be with his family now and into the future.
I have the pleasure of working with your son Scott. I can tell you were a great Dad and a great Man. Snort often talks of you. May you Rest In Peace. My heart goes out to your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a great man Tom was and what a life he lived! I have many fond memories of you all, hanging out at your house, laughing in the drugstore, etc. I hope you are all doing "ok"… Sending big hugs…love, Nancy Winters
With the deepest sympathy!!!
Tom was a great high school friend and team mate and an interesting college room-mate at SDSC. Condolences to his family and many friends.
I send my sincere sympathy to you Linda and family.
Linda & Family, So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He certainly will be missed by the whole community. You and he have been such a vital part of Faulkton for so many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sad to hear of Tom’s passing. All of us at the National Weather Service, Aberdeen will miss Tom’s cheerful phone calls and daily weather reports…Tom always brightened our day. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.