Thomas W. Baack, 63, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa following a brief illness. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at All Saints Parish – St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars. Father Paul Eisele will officiate. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral service on Wednesday. Military honors will be provided by Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion.

Thomas W. Baack was born on August 29, 1951 in Le Mars, Iowa to Kenneth G. and Bonnie (Hinken) Baack. He graduated from Le Mars High School in 1969 and furthered his education at Iowa State University where he majored in civil engineering. After school he took a position with his father in the construction field.

On August 30, 1975, Tom and Janet Delperdang were united in marriage at Assumption Catholic Church in Merrill, Iowa. They made their home in Le Mars. Tom began his military career with the Iowa Army National Guard, 1330 2nd Mechanized. He transferred to the 3rd Battalion, 14th Field Artillery, 205th Infantry Brigade in Sioux City, Iowa.

Tom attained the rank of First Sergeant. He served as the 1SG of Alpha Battery in Sac City, Iowa and was section chief of the Meteorology Section (MET). He spent two years on special assignment to the 88th ARCOM, Fort Snelling, MN, formalizing a computer based program for training soldiers. 1SG Baack was instrumental in mobilizing the 482 Transportation Company to Iraq as the unit administrator.

Tom was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (Flight 232, Sioux City), National Defense Medal and the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara Medal.

He was extremely active with the American Legion and member of Wasmer Post #241 in Le Mars having served as past commander, past adjutant and current member. When he wasn’t serving fellow soldiers, Tom enjoyed woodworking, daily walks with his dog, computer work, target shooting and playing cards at the Legion.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 39 years, Janet of Le Mars; a son and his wife, Matthew and Amy of Omaha, NE, a granddaughter, Clara; siblings, Jerry Baack of Denver, CO, Kathy Erick of Las Vegas, NV, Rick and Diane Baack of Le Mars, Sue and Rick Gabel of Akron, IA, Beth and Ed Williams of Hawarden, IA, George and Laurie Baack of Toledo, IA, Chris and Gene Harms of Le Mars, mother-in-law, Verda Delperdang of Le Mars, sisters and brothers-in-law, Jim and Julie Delperdang of Okoboji, IA, Susan and Dave Albers of Sioux Falls, SD, Patti and Tom Coppock of Sioux Falls, SD, Cindy and Chuck Weber of Wichita, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; brother, Brian; sister, Julie; and a nephew, Brian Gabel.

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