Thomas Lee Huffman, 78 of Spearfish, S.D. passed away peacefully on October 12, 2017 surrounded by his wife, daughters, son-in-law and grandson.
Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2017 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17 at the United Church of Christ in Spearfish. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Tom was born on May 19, 1939 in Regent, N.D. While being raised on the farm, he attended school playing basketball, football and was the coordinator for his high school annual, graduating high school from Regent in 1957. He continued his education at UND Grand Forks, obtaining his bachelor degree. His first year of teaching sent him to Carson, N.D. Then he moved to McIntosh, S.D. to continue teaching.
On June 1, 1963 he married LaVerne Siedschlaw. From this union two children were born, Lanette and Tami.
Later he moved to Glendive to continue teaching. He taught high school typing, business classes and later in his career taught computers and driver’s ed. He moved to Missoula for one year to obtain his Master’s Degree in Business. He then returned to Glendive with a career in teaching for over 30+ years, retiring in 1994.
In the late 1980’s he bought a firework stand in Glendive. This brought him enjoyment as he then had the chance to catch up with friends, selling the stand in 2013.
After retiring from teaching in 1994, he moved to Spearfish where he started a different career, selling insurance to educators in Western S.D. This took him traveling many road miles while enjoying the company of his wife riding along, retiring in 2008.
After 42 wonderful years of marriage, his wife passed away in 2005. He was admired for the dedication and level of care as he graciously attended to her needs while battling MS for 29 years.
In 2006, he reunited with a high school friend, Mary Ann Reisenauer. They fell in love and in 2007 married, getting to enjoy ten joyous years together. Tom always expressed how lucky he felt to have two wonderful women to share his life with and that he had enough room in his heart for both.
Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing with his buddies as it took him on many adventurous trips, with the favorites being Alaska and Canada. He also enjoyed playing cards, his gourmet food club along with good conversations with family and friends while sharing tasty meals.
Tom is preceded in death by his first wife, LaVerne; parents, George and Mary Huffman; brother, Robert Huffman; sister, Grace Sander; nephew, Terry Huffman; and great-grandson, Christopher Copeland.
Tom leaves behind his wife, Mary Ann; daughters, Lanette (Nick) French of Billings and Tami (Tim) Starkey of Rapid City, S.D.; granddaughter, April French of Billings; grandson, Cole Starkey of Rapid City; brother-in-law, Lyle (Mary) Siedschlaw of Apopka, Fla.; sister-in-law, JoAnn (Rick) Bartsch of Billings; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.