Tom Tagatz, 87, passed away on February 18, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born December 13, 1933 in Milwaukee, WI the first born son to Betty and George Tagatz. Tom grew up in Bellwood, IL with his two younger brothers, George and Robert Tagatz. He played basketball at Proviso High School and was fortunate to get a basketball scholarship to Drake University in Des Moines, IA. It was a dream of Tom’s to play collegiate basketball. He had a great time playing basketball at Drake and was known for his corner jump shot. Tom was selected as the captain of the team his senior year.
Basketball also was the path to meeting his bride, Carolyn Johnson Tagatz. They were set up on a blind date by a good friend and team mate. The date was a big success and Tom and Carolyn were married April 23, 1955. Tom graduated from Drake with a degree in Retail Management. His first job was with JCPenny’s. Shortly after starting his career at JCPenny’s he was drafted into the Army on June 18, 1956 and stationed in Fort Chaffee in Arkansas. Tom was recruited to play on the Army Basketball team and played some of his best basketball during those years. Both Tom and Carolyn say their experience in the Army was some of their fondest memories. After the service they returned to Des Moines and started their family. After a couple of relocations, they settled in Sioux City, IA. It was there that Tom and Carolyn owned and operated a couple True Value Hardware stores. This was another big dream of Tom’s. They worked together for 23 years. In 1997 they retired to beautiful Sun Lakes, AZ. Tom thoroughly enjoyed retirement spending his days golfing, gardening and entertaining his three grandsons and his two children when they visited. One of Tom’s greatest loves was his three Grandsons. Tom was very active in the community and loved helping people. He had wonderful wit about him and an engaging smile. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him especially his family who loved and cherished him. He is known by his three grandsons as “Pop” the legend. His family is at peace knowing Tom is in heaven and no longer suffering with the limitations of Parkinson’s and eating all the ice cream his heart desires.
Tom is survived by his bride of 66 years, Carolyn Tagatz, Son, Thomas Tagatz in Mount Shasta, CA, Daughter, Ann Cascella (Guy) in Golden, CO and his three grandsons, David McFarlane (Jacque), Great-Granddaughter Georgia In Milliken, CO, Daniel McFarlane in Glenwood Springs, CO and John “Jack” McFarlane In Golden, CO .
In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations are given to Risen Savior Lutheran Church.
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