Thomas “Tom” Edward Vittetoe

Thomas “Tom” Edward Vittetoe

Washington

Thomas “Tom” Edward Vittetoe was born on September 18, 1960, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Wilfrid J. “Bill” and Clarabell M. (Ledger) Vittetoe.

Tom grew up in Washington, Iowa, where he attended St. James Catholic School and later graduated from Washington High School in 1979. His family farmed for several generations and agriculture would become the cornerstone of his life.

After high school, Tom earned an associate’s degree in farm management from Muscatine Community College, building on his natural affinity for farming. In 1981, he married Tamara “Tammy” Evans in Washington, Iowa. Together, they built a life and legacy centered on family and farming.

Throughout his life, Tom found joy in various hobbies. As a young man, he played slow-pitch softball with the Knights of Columbus, and competed in motocross and tractor pulling. Later on, he enjoyed antiquing, riding his Harley motorcycle, and attending the concerts of his favorite bands like AC/DC and ZZ Top. Tom was rarely seen without one of his dogs riding in the front seat, whether it was taking a ranger ride or getting a treat in town. Tom was a father of six and did his best to support his children by attending their many activities.

As a dedicated farmer, Tom cultivated a love for the land. He had a particular fondness for selecting and planting sweet corn in the spring and harvesting his crops in the fall. His passion extended beyond his fields; he was a member of various agricultural organizations such as the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Soybean Association and the Washington County Pork Producers. Tom was also a lifetime member of FFA and served as a Soil Commissioner in Washington County for an impressive 39 years.

Tom had a great sense of humor and loved finding ways to make people laugh. If a costume was required for an event, he always showed up in the best one, often stealing the show. He enjoyed pulling pranks and getting a rise out of his kids and grandkids. Tom had a gift for storytelling, often weaving in extra details to make his tales even more memorable. He enjoyed adding “embellishments” to his children’s homework and books, and his signature smirk often gave him away when he was up to no good.

Tom was a strong man. He fought many battles with his health over the last two decades, undergoing countless surgeries and procedures. Using one of his favorite phrases, he was “as tough as nails.” God called Tom home to rest on January 23, 2025. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the University of Iowa Hospital. He was 64 years old.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Clarabell Vittetoe; mother-in-law, Sharon Evans; and brother-in-law, Terry Evans.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Tammy Vittetoe; children: Josh (Amy) Vittetoe, Jonathan (Crystal) Vittetoe, Jenahlee Chamberlain (Nathan Arnold), Jacayla (Seth) Milledge, Joel (Niki) Vittetoe, and Johannah (AJ) Neff; 21 grandchildren, with two more on the way; father, Wilfrid Vittetoe, Iowa; siblings: Kathleen Thornton, Jerome (Heidi) Vittetoe, Mary Beth (Steve) DeWall, and Sue (Brett) Rich; father-in-law, Paul “Butch” Evans; brother-in-law, Tom “LT” (Julie) Evans.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Washington, Iowa, with Father Charles Fladung officiating. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, at St. James Catholic Church, with the family present to receive visitors from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial luncheon, following the burial, at the K.C. Hall.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to create an agriculture scholarship in Tom’s memory.