Thom Andersen
January 19, 1920 ~ December 16, 2010
Charley Thom Andersen, 90, of Miller, passed away Thursday, December 16, 2010 at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield.
Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 17, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church, Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Miller with Masonic rites and Military honors.
Charley Thom Andersen was born on January 19, 1920 in Howard, South Dakota to Charley and Eva (Thom) Andersen. He attended 12 years of school in Howard and graduated in June of 1937. He then attended Huron College from 1939 and 1940 before transferring to South Dakota State College entering the Creamery Course.
From 1940 to 1941, Thom worked for Andersen Creamery. On January 9, 1942 Thom enlisted into United States Marine Corp and was overseas in the South Pacific for two years. He then returned to Washington D.C. and was in charge of a marine detachment at a naval base for two and one half years until his honorable discharged on February 2, 1946 as a Sergeant.
While on leave from active duty, Thom married Gail M. Matthews in Washington D.C. on December 12, 1943.
After serving his country, Thom worked as an ice cream maker at the milk bottling company for two years. Then in 1949, he went to work for Nash Finch Company as a grocery salesman for 34 years before retiring in 1983. During that time, he was a high school referee for many high school games; continuing to support the teams as a spectator in the later years.
Thom and Gail enjoyed traveling; touring 43 states throughout their travels. For ten years, they also enjoyed wintering in Texas. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and sitting in the backyard watching birds. In Thom’s later years, he spent his time caring for Gail as her health was failing. He was a faithful, devoted husband caring for Gail and sitting by her side until the end.
Thom was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon and usher. He also was active in the Masonic Lodge, VFW and Marine Corp.
Thom is survived by his wife, Gail of the Eastern Star Home in Redfield, SD; one sister; Barbara Jackson of California and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charley and Eva; and three sisters: Rhoda Andersen, Dora Hawley, and Marjorie Fuller.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Thom's arrangements. 
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Beckett’s and Thom’s family, Thinking of you during this sad time and praying that Gail can find some peace in knowing that Thom will celebrate Christmas with Jesus. I often wonder what a glorious party that must be. Of course, I am sure there is a game of Blitz being played. Janice probably had the cards stacked and waiting. Remember the good memories and forget the bad. Sincerely, Jenise
Had many a great visits with Tom at the Eastern Star Home. He was a great guy and a very good MASON.
Our condolences to Thommys family. My Mom and I got to know him while working in studts grocery store in highmore. Whenever we met him either at the store or years later in miller he always took time to visit. such a nice guy. Susan (Hamlin) Bast and Richard Hamlin Family
My Uncle Thom was a very special man to me; special in that we “almost” shared our birthdays (I was 1/2 hour late), but we shared many birthday celebrations together. He also made me my first drink…….a delicious grasshopper. I haven’t had as good of one since! He and his beloved Gail were the “constant extended family” in our home; from living in our backyard for a while to his weekly visits when he would finish up his grocery orders. I will always hold him in my heart. He is my special “Unca Thom”!
Uncle Thom was a larger than life person. Always, full of stories that would make you laugh. A family celebration wouldn’t have been the same without Gail, Thom and Ruth showing up. We were very blessed to have Thom in our lives.
Niece Kay Hawley
I was saddened to read of Thom’s passing. I so enjoyed waiting on him in the drug store. A first class gentleman, he was. Thom always had a sense of humor and brightened my day when he came walking in the back door. He was truly the “candy man”….
Thom and Gail were our neighbors. When I was growing up, they allowed us to do gymnastics on their luscious front lawn. I loved them with all my heart. They played boggle with me, too, spending time teaching me to play the game well.
I am sorry that I missed the funeral.