Byron “Burt” B. Thumm

In Loving Memory of Byron “Burt” Burdette Thumm

August 16, 1937 – October 11, 2025

Byron “Burt” Burdette Thumm, 88, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Care Initiatives in Belle Plaine. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 14, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 15, at 10:30 AM at Fry Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Tipton Masonic Cemetery. A luncheon will be served afterward at First United Church of Christ. To leave online condolences and view service details, please visit www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Burt was born August 16, 1937, in rural Stanwood to Luther and Pauline (Kinyon) Thumm. He graduated from West Branch High School in 1956, where he was a standout football player known for his fierce tackles and leadership. He joined the Iowa National Guard during high school and later served four years in the U.S. Air Force, working on jet fuel systems. His time in the service brought lifelong friendships and instilled the meticulous habits he carried throughout life—right down to pressing a crease in his jeans.

After returning home, Burt worked for the City of Tipton before beginning a 35+ year career with United Telephone Company. He was a proud veteran and active member of the Garey-Whalen American Legion Post 0123, Tipton Boosters, and the Tipton Moose Lodge.

On March 15, 1964, Burt married Rose “Marie” Lichlyter. They had two children, Paula and Matthew. After Marie’s passing in 1980 and Matthew’s in 1989, Burt remained the steady heart of the family. His bond with Paula became unshakable. Later that year, he married Charline Louise Mikota, and together they blended their families with love and laughter.

Burt loved football—especially the Iowa Hawkeyes, for whom he held season tickets for over 35 years. He also cheered for the Green Bay Packers and Tipton Tigers. He enjoyed fishing trips with his brothers, chocolate marshmallow ice cream, German chocolate cake, and breakfast at Hardee’s with the guys. He disliked unmade beds and dishes in the sink, and he did a legendary Daffy Duck impression.

He was a faithful member of First United Church of Christ and a man you could always count on. He was sports-minded, trustworthy, and deeply devoted to his family. One of his many highlights in life was riding in the Mario Andretti driving experience at age 75—just months after hip replacement surgery.

Burt is survived by his wife, Charline Thumm; daughters Paula (Kurt) Thumm-Hilleman, Annette Flora, and Judy (Andrew) Jenkins; grandchildren Roger (Courtney) Liebhart, Charlotte Claussen, Harli (Ryan) Caldwell, and Charlie Jenkins; great-grandchildren Kaiden, Addie, Gwyn, Willow, Stella, Gaia, and Amelia; and sisters-in-law Shirley and Betty Thumm. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Marie, son Matthew, brothers Delmar, Charlie, and Darrel, and son-in-law Danny Flora.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Trinity Promise, CCLAW, or the Tipton Athletic Boosters. Comfortable and casual attire is requested in honor of Burt.