Thomas R. "Tom" Tainter, 67 of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa passed away Monday, December 26, 2022, at his home surrounded by the love of his family. Memorial Services will be held 6:00 pm Friday, January 6, 2023, at the Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 4:00pm until the service time at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff.

Thomas Richard Tainter was born on June 11, 1955, in Sioux City, the son of Richard and Mildred (Godfredson) Tainter. Tom graduated from the Sergeant Bluff Luton High School in 1973; he continued his education at Vermillion College, WITCC and Briar Cliff College. Tom served in the Air Force from 1976 to 1982. He worked for his Father and Uncle at Tainter Bros. Dry Goods until it was sold, and he transferred into his true passion working in IT and Networking for the remainder of his career.

Tom was a man of faith and used God’s word to live his life and lead his family. Tom was an avid reader and many books passed through his hands and his kindle. He studied many IT books as well but much of his reading and study time were spent in his bible and doing daily devotions. His life was built around his faith in God, his family, hard work and the Iowa Hawkeyes! He enjoyed camping and golfing and loved his wife's cooking, especially her world-famous meatloaf and homemade gravy. More importantly, he was a loving husband and enjoyed spending most of his free time with his best friend and wife, Laurel. Whether tail gaiting at Kinnick or Carver Hawkeye Stadiums, in town with their lifelong friends or the comfort of their recliners they did not miss watching a game together. They loved hiking and canoeing with Pete and dinners out at their favorite restaurants in town followed by a glass of wine with friends at Wine Styles. Time with friends and family would often lead to Tom saying, “In my defense…” and Laurel’s favorite “The bus is leaving.” Did we mention Tom was an Iowa Hawkeye Fan?

Tom served many years as an Elder and Council Member but mostly loved worshipping together with his church family at Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church. He loved his career and his co-workers who all became close friends of his. His family appreciated their time in talking IT with him as he so loved to do. With a wave to anyone he drove past, a helping hand wherever needed, a smile or some bit of kindness and especially his Friday quotes of inspiration in our family chat. Tom was loved by many, and we are all blessed and fortunate to have been loved and known by him.

Tom is survived by his wife, Laurel, son, Joel Tainter, daughters, Lisa Tainter, Tawnya (Seth) Wych and Jennifer Norton, grandchildren; Abbie Marksbury (Ben), Arenne (Dalton) Sobotka, Drew Marksbury, Colin Marksbury, Thomas Wych, Jackson Wych, Ella Norton and Emily Norton, brother, Tony (Donna) Tainter, sister, Terri (George) Graham and his mother-in law, Donna Loisel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Traci Temple.