On January 14, 2024, Thomas W. Pazder, beloved husband of Helga E. Pazder and most loving father of Judy Leonard passed way too soon in Sarasota, Florida.
In 1958, Tom was honored to serve in the United States Army with a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH), in Würzburg Germany. While out for a beer at a small Bierstube with pals, Tom was handed a note from the prettiest gal he had ever seen. Helga, his Schöne Frau (beautiful woman), soon became his bride. She returned with him to the States and they started a family.
“Good Tom” was a respected and admired colleague in the Operations division of Merrill Lynch for 45 years. He was proud of his tenure with the company and kept in touch with co-workers throughout the country.
Settling in Sarasota, Florida upon retirement, he and Helga took great pleasure in being on their boat. As longtime members of the Sarasota Yacht Club, Tom enjoyed the simple pleasures in life…a can of Bud with a glass of ice sitting on the boat with Helga and watching the sunset. They took many wonderful boat trips up and down the west coast of Florida, and often travelled back to Germany to visit family and friends.
Tom’s quick wit and no-nonsense approach to life endeared him to friends and family alike. When you needed a straight answer, with a touch of satire, Tom was your man. These traits proved invaluable to his greatest pleasure - - being a father and grandfather.
Nothing pleased him more than seeing, or talking with, his daughter and grandchildren. He was so proud of each of them. He cherished the opportunity to offer a positive word, quick-witted comment or a bit of sage advice. Their world is a better place because he was in it.
Tom is predeceased by his sister Pearl Farnsworth and his son Daniel L. Pazder. He is survived by his daughter Judy Leonard (Richard) and grandsons Jake Thomas Latyschow, Max Steven Latyschow and Kevin Richard Leonard.
A short service will be held for Tom and Helga (with Military Honors for Tom) on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, which would have been their 64th wedding anniversary. Guests should arrive at 12:40pm at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Monty’s Home www.montyshome.org
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