Thomas Duane Ehresman

Thomas Duane Ehresman, 83, of Tipton, passed peacefully away in his home on Monday, April 15, 2024, from complications of an extended illness. A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Fry Funeral Home followed immediately with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 am, also at Fry Funeral Home. Cremation will follow and the burial will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been created with proceeds directed to Iowa City Hospice and the Tipton Fire Department.

Tom was the son of Dale and Dolores Hartley Ehresman. He was born on April 18, 1940, in Tipton, Iowa. Tom attended and graduated from Tipton High School with the Class of 1958. After graduating high school, he was employed at Cedar Lanes. Tom was united in marriage to Mary Ann Ness on June 2, 1962, in Callender, Iowa. Then they moved to Fairfield, Iowa, then later to Davenport, Iowa, finally back to Tipton in 1969 to become owner and operator of Cedar Lanes for 24 years. Besides being an excellent bowler, he enjoyed the people aspect and made many lasting friendships. After selling the bowling alley he took pride in tending the Tipton City Park.  He next drove school bus for 24 years where he entertained children and coaches alike.

Tom greatly enjoyed the outdoors with his interests spanning from hunting, fishing, camping and boating. He loved spending time with his family, including summers at Lake Rathbun and Sugar Bottom, which were always a highlight for him. He also loved his grandchildren and followed them in their many activities. His seven great-grandchildren were a huge bright spot as well. Tom and Mary were members of the Tipton United Methodist Church.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary, of Tipton, Iowa, his daughters, Shelley (Dan) Kramer of Solon, Iowa, Pam (Jim) Reeve, Tipton, Iowa, and Beth (Randy) Rogers of Davenport, Iowa; Grandchildren, Kyle (Jill) Reeve, Kelsie (Gabe) Boorn, Nick (Emily) Reeve, Austin Kramer, Brandon (Shae) Kramer; sister, Janice Hetherington of Des Moines, Iowa, sister-in-law, Bev Ehresman of Tipton, Iowa. Preceded in death by his great-grandson, Oliver Reeve, his siblings, Dalene McKinnon, Jean Britcher, Jim Ehresman, his niece Cheryl Bulger, and his nephew Kory Britcher. 

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