Thomas Walter Wiechmann

Tom’s life began as the beloved only child of South Dakota farmers. He was encouraged by his parents to live the life of his choosing. At age 18, Tom married his first wife and joined the Air Force, spending 10 years in service. His warmth, humor, and easy-going demeanor did not go unnoticed by his superiors in the military, and he was soon encouraged to train to become a chef. Tom enjoyed the work itself and the opportunity to socialize that creating dishes and sharing meals offered him. After his military service ended, Tom returned to South Dakota where, with the help of his parents, he opened and ran Tom's Cafe for the following 10 years.

With his four children from his first marriage growing up, Tom looked for new work opportunities, ultimately making a home in Las Vegas, where he went on to run the kitchens of two beloved establishments: Alpine Village and the Port Tack. In Vegas, he met and married the woman that would be a lifelong friend and mother to his youngest daughter, Nadia. Tom resided with and was cared for in his later years by Nadia, along with her husband and daughter. Tom was a good person whose humor and fun-loving nature easily gained him friends and admirers wherever he went. He was proud to have traveled all over America, and an especially fond memory was the cruise his children took him on to Alaska, so that he was able to have seen all 50 states in his lifetime.

Tom's 86 years were filled with travel and adventure; fun and laughter; family and friends; and as many hands of canasta as he could fit in.

He is survived in love, and with cherished memories, by all five of his children, Nadia Herrera (Karl), David Wiechmann, Deborah Rahm (Larry), Gary Wiechmann (Pamela), Gayle Pete (Ronald) and many grand/great-grandchildren.