Thomas "Tom" Fitzgerald

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Friday, February 16, 2007
at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 80

Thomas Adley Fitzgerald was born on May 21, 1926, at Bonilla, South Dakota, the son of William James and Clara Ellen (Adley) Fitzgerald. In 1929 the family moved to the Milesville Community where he attended grade school and later attended Philip High School.

On September 12, 1948, Tom was united in marriage to Eileen Nelson and to this union four children were born. Together they continued to live in Milesville where they farmed and ranched until 1989. Since that time, they have lived in Philip and Pierre.

Tom served on the King School Board, Milesville Hall Board, Hardingrove Church Board, and from 1974 to 1995 he served on the West Central Electric Board. He was a member of the United Church of Philip, the Pierre Senior Citizens and the Bad River Senior Citizens of Philip. Tom enjoyed farming and ranching, visiting with his many neighbors and friends, and mostly being with his family. His favorite past times were playing baseball as a young man and playing cards as he got older.

Grateful for having shared his life include his wife of 58 years, Eileen Fitzgerald of Philip; twin sons David Fitzgerald and his wife Maralynn of Philip, and Dean Fitzgerald and his wife Janice of Philip; a daughter Carla DeLeon and her husband Michael of Rapid City; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Fitzgerald of Memphis, Tennessee, twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother George Fitzgerald of Milesville; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by a son Greg Fitzgerald; his parents William J. and Clara (Adley) Fitzgerald; and a brother James Fitzgerald.

Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Tuesday.

A prayer service was held 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at the United Church in Philip.

Funeral services were held 10:00 am. Tuesday, February 20, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Mark Ford officiating.

Private family interment was at the Milesville Cemetery in Milesville, South Dakota.

A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, February 20, 2007 10:00 a.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Mark Ford
MUSIC
Barb Bowen– Organist
Beth Fitzgerald – Vocalist
"The Lord’s Prayer"
"Blessed Assurance"
Congregational Hymn
"Go Tell It On The Mountain"
USHERS
Amanda Fitzgerald – Abby Fitzgerald
Cassi Fitzgerald – Stephanie Knutson
ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
Andy Fitzgerald – Dustin Fitzgerald
Scott Fitzgerald – Shawn Fitzgerald
Jason Knutson – Brock Smith
Josh Carlson
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Milesville Cemetery
Milesville, South Dakota

Service Details

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, February 20, 2007 10:00 a.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota

Guest Book

Eileen I am so sorry for your loss of Tom. It is really hard to deal with for I lost Tork in 2001. I keep busy and involved and this helps. I hope you have good health. I've had eye problems but working with it. Your sister lives there and know this helps. My best to you. Jackie
   ~ Jacqueline Thorson 537 Ponderosa Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80911 (2/16/2007)
To the whole family of Tommy, my deepest sympathy goes out to you. Some of my earliest memories of Tommy were with my dad and others plying cards in the kitchen. I was so excited to have Tommy at my house as a kid because he always had a smile on his face when he was around friends. I am proud to have known him.
   ~ Ed Harty 21851 Elk Vale Rd., Piedmont, SD 57769 (2/16/2007)
Dear Eileen, Dean, Dave and Carla
Our deepest sympathy to you all and your families. The joys and remembrances of the past are more precious now than we ever think they could be. Sincerely, Jack and LaVona
   ~ Jack & LaVona Kirkpatrick Hayes, SD 57537 (2/16/2007)
Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Sympathy to Eileen and all the family.
   ~ Beverly & Cork Jahner Kerrville, Texas and Philip, SD (2/16/2007)
Dear Eileen and Family,
So sorry for your loss. We will be thinking of you and praying for you. Love, Joyce, Blaine and Skylar
   ~ Joyce, Blaine, and Skylar Larson 6236 Rookery Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80528 (2/16/2007)
Eileen and Family--I am sorry to hear about Tom. I enjoyed playing many card games with him at the Ridge. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Elaine
   ~ Elaine Staben 777 Haggerty Lane #8, Bozeman, MT 59715 (2/16/2007)
Hi Eileen and Family
The Folks called us last night (Friday) about Tom. So sorry for your loss. We will be thinking of you and praying for you. I'm glad that we had made it down this summer for his 80th birthday party. It was so good to see everyone. Take care. Love Dawn
   ~ Mark and Dawn Costain and Nicole and Molly 1217 Pocatello Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504 (2/16/2007)
Our sympathies on the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. No matter when they go, we still miss them. Your memories of him will live on in your hearts. Reminisce and rejoice in the times you have shared and let his legacy live on. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
   ~ Susan and Steve Van Tassel Midland, SD (2/16/2007)
I was viewing the Web of Rush Funeral and noticed that Tom had passed away. The picture is exactly as I remembered him from the Milesville area times. I am sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with Tom's Family. God bless.
   ~ Lianne (Bierwagen) Bjugstad PO Box 1028, Lisbon, ND 58054 (2/16/2007)
Carla, Jason, Steph-
I'm sorry about your loss. We love you. Sara and family
   ~ Sara Wilson 150 Old Stone Rd., Sturgis, SD 57785 (2/16/2007)

Flowers

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