Thomas Henry Nonemacher, 69, of Kalispell, Montana, passed away at his home on Friday, November 6th. His death concluded decades of pain and health issues following spinal chord injuries that altered his life as a young man. Tom overcame many daunting challenges by appreciating the joys of everyday life and through a devout belief in the Catholic Church.
Tom was born in Southington, Connecticut, and he was a proud New Englander. Starting at a young age, Tom’s love of farming was clear and it helped him through the loss of his mother during childhood. In particular, Tom loved dairy farming and started his own farms in Vermont, Wisconsin, and Montana. He was happiest tending to the animals he loved.
As a teenager, he was a leader with Future Farmer’s of America (FFA). He also played basketball, and passed his skills on the court to several of his sons.
Second only to farming, Tom was a storyteller who loved to make people laugh.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Nonemacher, father, Henry Nonemacher, stepmother, Angeline Nonemacher, and sister, Joan LaBuda.
Tom is survived by his wife of 42 years, Micki; his eight children, Thomas Jr., Christopher, Stephen, Matthew, Darcy, Jacob, John and Michael and their spouses; a multitude of grandchildren; his sister, Judy Smith; brother-in-law, Roland Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at St. Matthew’s church in Kalispell.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to St. Matthew’s Parish, 602 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901.