Tom Greseth

Thomas J. Greseth, 69, Veblen, SD, died Thursday, April 26, 2012, at his residence in rural Veblen.
Funeral services were Monday, April 30, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Veblen, SD, with Rev. Mark Terayama officiating. Music was provided by organist Coleen Halverson.
Burial was in the Veblen Community Cemetery, Veblen. Honorary pallbearers were Tom's grandchildren, goddaughter Brenda Rook and former foreign exchange students, Hulya Ozkan, Thiago Paggiano, and Ge Song. Active pallbearers were Dayle Haaland, Calvin Ceroll, Rodney Ceroll, Dan Bessler, Randy Fauth, Darin Yammerino, Butch Greseth and Roy Jundt.
Visitation was Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. at the Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt.
Thomas Jacob Greseth was born September 8, 1942, in Starbuck, MN. He often told his children it was called "Buck" until he was born, then they changed the name to Starbuck. Tom attended country school at Bosco #2 in rural Claire City, SD, and graduated from Veblen High School. He then attended college at Black Hills State College and later transferred to Northern State College where he earned his bachelor's degree in education.
Tom married the love of his life, Pat Schmitz, on August 27, 1965, at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Claire City. Tom and Pat lived in Aberdeen until he graduated from college and then moved to McLaughlin, SD, where Tom taught for ten years. Tom and Pat also ran the Shady Lane Drive Inn in McLaughlin.
Tom and Pat moved back to rural Veblen in the summer of 1977. Tom taught sixth grade science at the Sisseton Middle School until his retirement in 2002. He was named Arbor Day Teacher of the Year in 1990. Pat passed away May 3, 2010.
Tom was a Boy Scout leader and along with Pat, was selected as Den Leader of the Year. He was also a session member at the Veblen Presbyterian Church. Tom enjoyed woodworking, doing puzzles, playing cards, fishing, and being an amateur meteorologist. Tom's greatest pleasure came from spending time with his family.
Survivors include his children, Carole (Gary Mack) Greseth of Aberdeen, SD, Carin (Eric) Kassa of Wahpeton, ND, Jon (Linda) Greseth of Brookings, SD, Leo (Tara) Greseth of Veblen, and Carmen Greseth of Sisseton; foreign exchange kids, Hulya (Ersan) Ozkan of Bielfield, Germany, Thiago Paggiano of Brazil, and Ge Song of China; seven grandchildren, Carleyn Greseth, Dale Greseth, Chesney Greseth, Lachlan Kassa, Lily Greseth, Davyn Kassa, and Sona Ozkan; sister, Lannette Adams of Castlewood, SD; brothers, Peter Greseth of Veblen and Gary Greseth of Montana; and brother-in-law, Scott (Allison) Schmitz of Aberdeen.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; and parents, Jewell and Grace Greseth.