Thomas 'Tom' G. Wasley

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Thomas "Tom" G. Wasley, 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018. Tom was born in Ironwood on July 31, 1923, to Etta (Jacobson) and Thomas Wasley. Tom graduated from Luther L. Wright High School with the class of 1941 and was a lifelong resident of Ironwood.

During high school Tom rode his bike across town to work at the Johnson Truck Farm for 5 cents/day. Then he would ride back home to Aurora Location, change clothes and return to the north side to spend time with the love of his life, Marion Guthrie. On August 21, 1944, he finally married his sweetheart, Marian, in Ironwood in her parent's beautiful backyard.

He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Tom returned to Ironwood to work as a welder in various mines and went on to raise his family. When the mines would close or lay off, Tom worked at various jobs, moving the family for short periods to Park Falls, Wausau, Rothschild and eventually back to Ironwood. When the kids were grown and on their own, Tom accepted a job with the Mine, Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) of the federal government and they moved to Lansing. Tom's employment with MSHA relocated them to Hibbing, Minn. and Fort Dodge, Ia., before finally retiring back to his beloved Ironwood.

After retirement, Tom and Marian enjoyed winters in Florida and summers back in

Ironwood. Tom was a long time member of the Aurora Athletic Club, the American Legion and the Class of '41 Reunion Committee, along with Marian. He and Marian loved dancing at the "Club" and when they were dancing, they didn't miss a step. His extensive knowledge of mining and some extra time on his hands, led him to a job as the Gogebic County Mine Inspector. He had a passion for public safety around the many abandoned mines. He also taught Vocational Welding.

Tom was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He also loved spending time at the camp with his buddies, Ed Oja, Wally Engstrom and many others. In later years, he enjoyed the camp with his sons and grandchildren. He also enjoyed his annual fishing trip to Canada with his sons, grandson and friends. Tom was also very honored to go on the Honor Flight in 2012 with fellow WWII Veterans to Washington D.C. Tom was a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan.

Tom and Marian were blessed to have 72 years of marriage before Marian passed away on August 26, 2016. He was Marian's caregiver in her final years and it was a very special time for him as he lovingly gave her the best care anyone could hope for. He missed his sweetheart very much after her passing, but his talents in the kitchen kept him busy. He enjoyed making pasties, strawberry-rhubarb pie, soups, bread and even squeaky cheese that he happily shared with others. He also planted tomato and raspberry plants that he watched over carefully. He loved going to the casino with his casino partner, his devoted daughter-in-law, Debbie.

Tom is survived by his loving children, Jerry (Sandy) Wasley, of Kenosha, Wis., Jeff (Debbie) Wasley of Ironwood, Brenda (Jim) Langerman of Kenosha, Wis .; grandchildren, Courtney Retzer-Vargo (Stephen), Melissa Wasley, Mike Wasley, Amber (Ed) and Brent Langerman; four great grandchildren; sister in law, Grace Wasley; numerous loving nieces and nephews; special friends, Jan and Russ Anderson, Marge Makinen and many wonderful neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marian; his parents, Etta and Thomas Wasley; mother and father in law, Ronald and Evelyn Guthrie; daughter, Judy; grandchildren, Lindsey and Nicklaus; brother, Donald and sisters, Willowdean, Elizabeth (Liz), Isabelle (Bell) and Dorothy.

A Memorial Service commemorating Tom's life will take place in the Spring ... date to be determined ... at Wesley United Methodist Church with Rev. Rosemary DeHut officiating. The family looks forward to sharing stories and celebrating Tom's life with all of his many friends.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences, visit rangefuneralservices.com.