Tom Casavan
September 6, 1933 ~ May 3, 2017
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Bernard “Tom” Casavan, 83, of Wessington, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls surrounded by his loving family.
Memorial Services were held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church, Wessington. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 8, 2017 at the church.
Bernard Bane Casavan was born September 6, 1933 in Crookston, Minnesota. The son of Arthur and Martha (Rhode) Casavan. He was baptized in the Christian faith. Bernard attended elementary school in Red Lake County, Minnesota. Bernard became known as “Tom” as he was referred to as a “tom cat” with cat like eyes.
Tom entered the United States Marines in February 1952 until February of 1955. He served in the Korean War. Following the Marines, Tom joined the Merchant Marines; stationed in the Great Lakes. From there, he moved on to become a tug boat pilot for the Corps of Engineers on the St. Lawrence Seaway in Northern New York.
Tom was united in marriage to Carolynn Thompson and they were blessed with six children: Jerry, Duane, Thomas, Carol, David, and Kae; thirteen grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren.
In 1961, Tom started in the Bee Business with the help from his brother-in-law, William Robson. He continued with Casavan Apiaries until his passing. He was considered an outdoorsman, enjoying many hunting, fishing, and camping adventures.
Tom loved raising his family in the small town of Wessington. He was always involved with community projects and helping anyone needing anything. Tom was active with the Wessington Fire Department for over 50 years. He was an ordinary person always doing extraordinary things for his community. He was truly a “Home Town Hero”!!
Blessed to have shared in his life are his children, Jerry (Andi) Casavan of Indianapolis, IN, Duane (Peggy) Casavan of Stickney, Thomas (Shellie) Casavan of Grasston, MN, Carol Rowen of Wessington, and Kae (Jeff) Larus of Rapid City; grandchildren: Jami (Kara) Casavan, Kimberlee Casavan, Josh (Juliana) Casavan, Joseph Casavan, Brigitte (Cale) Setness, Amanda Casavan, Elise (Loren) Schmidt, Tommy and Ryan Casavan, Callie Jo (Lance) Moser, Betsy (Rafael) Clemente, Kayti (Rob) Ammerman, Stevette Black Bear, Jessy and Tabitha Larus.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolynn; son, David; and great-grandson, Cooper.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Tom’s arrangements.
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I am so sorry to hear of Toms passing. He’s always been such a GREAT friend to Mom & our entire family. The Wessington & surrounding community has lost an admirable man & will be missed. Thank you Tom for all the memories…. he brought me a mini ‘Honey Bear’ when he paid his property taxes & it sits on my desk ! Prayers to the entire family, may God hold each of you during this trial & provide your comfort in the days ahead.
I will miss having Tom come into the school and calling me chief. He was always a bright spot of my day when I would see him. We will keep your family in our prayers and devotions.
My deepest condolences
Sorry to here of you loss and this guy will be missed by alot of people and the town of Wessington. Our Deepest Sympathy Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
We are told there is "a time for everything" a time for birth and the time for death, he sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy, the time for mourning and the time for dancing. But it is so overwhelmingly sad to lose the ones we love! Wessington will never be the same for me without Tom, both Tack and my longtime neighbor and friend. Loving prayers going up for family.
Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.
We’re so sorry for your loss. Wishing you all God’s peace during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing–he and Carol were good friends of mine–way back in the late 60’s early 70’s. We enjoyed watch you Casavan kids grow and all of the shenanigans!! Tom and Carol were proud of their kids and enjoyed life. They loaned us the license plates off of their camper so that we could use them when we moved!! And we sent them right back because you guys were going camping over the weekend. We chuckled over that so often. They were great friends and good people. I’m thinking of you.
Prayers to all of you Delores and I were sadden deeply with the news of Toms passing. He will always be remembered by our family .
Hello to all, and my extreme condolences to you. I won’t be able to attend but your family is in my heart and prayers. He will be missed! Jeff Vance (machine gun)
So sorry for your loss Duane. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Sympathy to Tom’s family. I have wonderful memories of Tom, especially with the nutrition center and how he would check in and make sure everything was going well in the mornings. He brought a lot of joy to the people around him. Betty Pevestorf