Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be Thursday, May 30 from 5-7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
Service: A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024 at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church, Canton, SD.
Livestream: Click here
Thomas “Tom” M. Lease, age 76, died Saturday, May 25, 2024 surrounded by his family at Good Samaritan Society Canton. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024 at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church, Canton, SD. Visitation, with family present, will be Thursday, May 30 from 5-7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Redeemer Free Lutheran Church.
Tom was born on April 24, 1948 in Viborg, SD to John and Irene (Petersen) Lease. When Tom was 5, the family moved to Canton where he attended school and participated in football, basketball and track. After graduating from CHS in 1966, Tom furthered his education at SDSU before being drafted into the US Army in 1970. He served his country as a helicopter crew chief in the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam.
While in Vietnam, Tom started to receive daily pen-pal letters from a young lady from Wellington, Missouri named Gwen Maschmeier. Gwen wrote a letter to Tom every day for the nine months he was in Vietnam. When Tom returned to the states, he soon traveled to Missouri to meet Gwen face-to-face. Tom was discharged from the Army in December of 1971 and married Gwen in June of 1972. The couple made their home in Canton and were blessed with two sons, Trevor and Kyle.
Through the years, Tom worked at Bid-Well, Loveland Tool, McCord Heat Transfer, and spent his final working years at Fastek before retiring in 2013. During his career, he worked as a welder, tool maker, process engineer, salesman, and a training instructor. In 1992, he was awarded a patent for a method and apparatus for joining coolant tubes to a heat exchanger.
Tom was a current member and past post commander of the Canton VFW. Tom was also a 35-year member and former Chief of the Canton Volunteer Fire Department. In addition, he became a certified trainer for the State of SD, training numerous firefighters throughout the state.
When he was not working, Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting trap, wood working, playing pinochle, baking, and spending a Saturday afternoon at the firehall. Above all else, Tom cherished time spent with his family, especially his 6 grandchildren. He never missed a game and loved giving his grandchildren whatever they wanted.
Tom will be remembered for his smile, his laid-back attitude (except for when Trevor and Kyle tested him), his years of service to his country and community, and his love of family.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of nearly 52 years, Gwen; sons, Trevor (Sara) Lease and Kyle (Katie) Lease; grandchildren, Brock, Jesse, Tera, Amanda, Tyler, and Gwendolyne; brothers, Jack (Carol) Lease and David (Kate) Lease; sister, Mary Lease; and several special nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene Lease.
My heart goes out to the Lease family. I worked with Tom for a lot of years. I have never met a more pleasant man RIP Tom
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So terribly sorry for your loss. Sending healing light and love to all.
One of the best guys I ever knew. Awesome boss great bowhunting friend and all around great guy. He will be missed by many. Our condolences Josh and Jessy Scott
Great guy. Have many memories of him as a boss bowhunting companion (and I guess we let Trevor tag along at time) and great all around guy. He will be missed by many. our condolences. Josh and Jessy Scott
Oh No I’m sad to hear about Tom’s passing Tom was a neat guy all around his pleasant matters his kind word his sweet tender heart ! Tom will missed by many who new Tom
I’m sending my Condolences to your families at this difficult time ((( Hugs))) Lynn
my prayers go out to Tom’s family. As a clasmate and teammate of Tom, I remembeŕ him as always having a positive attitude and a smile on his face.
I was blessed to have Tom and Gwen as neighbors growing up. So many fun memories; the back yard parties, I distinctly remember the donut eating contest, the big blue swingset, fireman’s picnics, water fights, and fire school pictures I still cherish and of course all of the laughs through the many years. I can hear those laughs now. Sending all my love and prayers for peace and comfort in the days to come.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. I worked with Tom many years at Adams Thermal Systems (McCords / Behr). I also had the privilege of being on the Canton Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Tom was one of the kindest most thoughtful people that I have ever met. He was always ready to help someone. Tom will be missed greatly by his family and friends.
Friend, classmate, teammate!! Tom was a great guy…..to know him was to like him…
I am so sorry to hear this. I am so sorry Gwen & family for your loss. Rest in Peace Tom. ❤️🙏
Gwen and family. we are so sorry for the loss Tom. Hugs and prayers coming you way. Mac and Carol McEntee
my condolences go out to the lease family and Gwen in the loss of Tom. I got to know him for a brief time, but always made me laugh and was an all around great guy. he will be missed. u all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. may God wrap his loving arms around u and give u comfort. hugs.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Tom was a classmate, a teammate, and a friend.
Gwen, Trevor, Kyle & family
I am so sorry to hear about Tom, You have my sympathy! Tom was always so easy going !!
So sorry for your loss but it sounds like he lived life the way he wanted.
Love to all
Kathy Parsons
Sending prayers for comfort during this difficult time. We are thinking of you and your family. May God give you peace. Kevin and Darcy Jensen
Gwen, Trevor, Kyle & family
I am so sorry to hear about Tom, You have my sympathy! Tom was always so east going !!
Hi
Jack/Carol. We are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Reading the above, he truly was a remarkable person. Please tell his wife and family our prayers and very best regards are with them—- as well as ours
Love you guys
Joe/Diane