In loving memory of a life well-lived and deeply cherished.
Obituary
With profound sadness, we say goodbye to Thomas Joseph Neibauer of Mason City, Iowa, whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. TJ passed away on December 17, 2024 at the age of 67, leaving a void in the lives of so many people. Though he may no longer walk beside us, his spirit lives on in the memories and the legacy he leaves behind.
Tom graduated from Newman Catholic High School. After graduating he invested 33 years of his career at IMI Cornelius. He was active in the union there and was a strong supporter of workers rights throughout his life. He later went on to retire as a Warehouse Manager with Crescent Electric in 2020. Tom was united in marriage to Helen Hahn December 29, 2007.
TJ loved to golf. He would take advantage of any opportunity to be out on the greens. When he couldn’t golf, he spent time in the winter working out at NIP fitness. His home was his sanctuary, and Tom took immense pride in tending to his yard, shaping it into a verdant haven that reflected the care and attention he poured into every blade of grass. One never needed to fear an errant rock walking barefoot through his lawn.
He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Neibauer and Marjorie Neibauer (Mileham). He is survived by: his wife Helen Hahn Neibauer; and his siblings, Jean Neibauer, Elizabeth Neibauer, Mary Ann Neibauer Jorgenson (Karl Jorgenson) and William Neibauer. He is also survived by his nieces Anna Akbari, Meghan Jorgenson Najera, nephews Jonathan Jorgenson, Anthony Neibauer and Nathan Neibauer
Tom will be laid to rest at Kensett Cemetery. Memorial contributions in TJ's honor may be dedicated to your favorite charities.
Another longer version of the tribute video is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q1dlHNm0lLyMg-Up2rcUYlJ_5qHv2MTO/view?usp=sharing
Remembered Joy
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all...
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss...
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life's been full, I've savored much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief—
Don't shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
Old Irish Funeral Poem
Anonymous
Video Tribute
Memory wall
TJ was always so much fun and brought joy to us. He had a great sense of humor, a kind spirit and understanding of how zany human nature can be. He was generous with his time with family and friends.
I think of him on birthdays, holidays, when I cook something he liked, and in my garden. We shared hybrid iris plants inherited from my mom and shared gardening tips.
He was smart, curious, and had a variety of interests. He championed workers rights with his union work. He enjoyed the arts: He attended sooo many of my daughter's plays and piano recitals over the years. He secured Broadway tickets to "The Producers" during its debut season for our family trip to New York for Anna's graduation from NYU. We attended the opera Marriage of Figaro because he really liked an aria from it. He loved sports, loved playing golf; and worked out to stay in shape throughout his life. Like my dad, he could talk to just about anybody.
I miss you TJ.
Family tree
Neibauer
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