Thomas (Tom) Stern
05/23/1945 – 12/26/2023
Thomas (Tom) Stern, 78, of Donnelly, Idaho peacefully passed away on December 26, 2023. Tom was born in Oakland, CA on May 23, 1945. He graduated from Palo Alto High School and went on to work in the grocery and bread industries for numerous years. He founded TS Fuel and delivered fuel in the Treasure Valley for over 20 years before moving full-time with Patricia to their beloved mountain property.
He married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” on August 21, 1964, and they were married almost 55 years before her passing in 2019. He loved with all his heart. Tom took amazing care of Pat and her health challenges in her final years. His greatest accomplishments as well as pride and joys were their two children Lisa Brennan (Dave), Tom Stern, Jr. (Sandy); four grandchildren Kayla, Tyler, Justin, and Kyle; and four great-grandchildren Conner, Channing, Toreelyn, and Joseelyn which affectionately called him Big Papa. He was lucky to find love again with his fiancée Linda Ransom.
Tom loved old cars almost as much as his family. He was a vintage car buff and had owned numerous hot rods throughout the years including a 1922 Model T Touring Car built by Hot Rod Magazine and most recently owned a 1995 Chevy Camaro. He loved his dogs, spending time with his family, being outside puttering in the yard, strolling through car shows, riding electric bicycles with Linda and the Oakland (Las Vegas) Raiders. Working in the grocery business in the Bay Area he proudly met many of the players through the years and Tom never met a stranger. He was always ready for a great conversation full of laughter, funny stories and could easily be talked into an adventure. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his fiancée, sisters-in-law Deb Plitt (Art) and Susan Martin (Tom), nieces and nephew, and his nephew Ron Stern.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.