Theodore John Tomes, Jr.

Theodore John Tomes, Jr. of New London died on Monday, December 4, 2023 at Bethesda in Willmar at the age of 87.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Montevideo with Rev. Michelle Rowell officiating.  Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Montevideo.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 4 to 6 PM at Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

Theodore John Tomes Jr. was born in Montevideo on June 16, 1936 to Theodore Sr. and Frances (Rassmussen) Tomes. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Montevideo.  He grew up in the Maynard area and attended and graduated from Maynard High School.  Following high school he entered the United States Army and served a little over 3 years.   On September 23, 1961 Ted was united in marriage to LaVonne Bakke at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo. They had two children together: Tracy and Scott. Ted worked at Swift’s Creamery for a period of time and then went into farming in 1965 after purchasing his mother’s farm.  He farmed for many years along with working for the elevator in Gluek.   Ted and LaVonne eventually moved to Willmar and then to New London.

Ted was a proud veteran and was a member of the American Legion.  He enjoyed playing cards, antiquing, farm toy collecting, going to the casino and travel.  LaVonne and Ted had many adventures around the world. By far the most treasured part of Ted’s life was his children and grandchildren.  He would not miss a sporting event or school activity.  The children and grandchildren could always count on Ted’s room filling voice cheering loud so they could hear.

Ted is survived by his wife, LaVonne; children, Tracy (John) Dammermann, Fort Myers, FL, Scott (Laura), Minnetrista, MN; grandchildren: Taylor Dammermann, Justine (Andrew) Bestler, Allison Tomes, Sydney Tomes, Bennett Tomes; great-granddaughter, Wren Bestler; sister Ardell Hill, Roseville, MN; eight nieces and nephews and numerous extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister , Joan Johnson.

May his memory be a blessing