Obituary: Thomas Klocke

Thomas Klocke

Thomas Allen Klocke passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Sunday, October 1, 2023, after 73 years on this earth.

Tom's graveside service will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at the Carrington Cemetery, Carrington, N.D.

Tom was born to John and Ione (Hillstrom) Klocke in New Rockford, N.D., on June 4, 1950. He was raised on a small family farm in Sykeston, N.D., along with five older brothers and two younger sisters.

When he was four years old, he was involved in an unfortunate accident and sustained a major head injury. He spent many months in Rochester, Minn., before finally being able to return home. Despite his head trauma, Tom continued on and was known for his intelligence, especially his science and math abilities, during his school years. In fact, Tom produced science projects that were so advanced, that his high school teacher had to bring in college professors each time one of his projects needed grading!

Outside of academics, Tom also had a playful side, often engaged in paper fights or lighthearted pestering of his younger sister Linda. He was also a craftsman of various skills. Tom enjoyed working on cars, both models and life-sized. He won awards for his model wood car designs, as did his brother Bill.

Tom also rebuilt several corvettes, with the burnt-orange one the most memorable to his sister Susan. Woodworking was another hobby of Tom's - an interest and talent seemingly shared by all of the Klocke family men. Many people also benefited from Tom's enjoyment of beadwork, as many of his beautiful rosaries found their way into hands overseas, as well as into the hands of many of his family members.

Though intelligent and accomplished, Tom's traumatic brain injury resulted in extra challenges later on in life. Regardless of his hardships, Tom was known for his warm heart, kind soul, and devotion to the Lord. He will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived and loved by brothers Jerry, Jim, and Bill; younger sisters Linda and Susan; numerous nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Ione and brothers Don and Larry.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.