Tom Simpson Obituary

Tom Simpson, 82, of Grinnell, died on Monday, July 7th, 2025 at St Francis Manor in Grinnell.
His family will receive friends at visitation held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Friday, July 11th, 2025 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.
A private family graveside service with military honors will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell with Pastor Phil Culham officiating.
Memorial may be designated to the family (please make checks payable to his wife, Darla Simpson) to benefit local school athletic funds and the St Francis Manor Activities Fund, and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memorials and condolences may be shared with Tom's family online at www.smithfh.com.
Thomas Lee Simpson was born on July 28, 1942, in Grinnell, IA to Alfred and Lena (Wortman) Simpson. He was raised and graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1960. Following graduation, he honorably served in the United States Navy.
On June 19, 1966, Tom was united in marriage to Darla Pefferman at St Johns Lutheran Church in Grinnell. They were blessed with a daughter, Kristin, who was the light of his life. They resided at Oakland Acres and later moved to Seeland Park in Grinnell.
Tom spent over 30 years working at Maytag in Newton, IA, and co-owned and operated Oakland Acres Golf Course.
Tom was an avid outdoorsman. Tom loved golf. He had the best short game around. His many golf friends will remember his Bobwhite bird call that you could hear on the course while he was golfing. Tom's biggest joy was taking his daughter around the state, and out of state, to numerous golf tournaments. Tom was the best coach to Kristin on the golf course. He also enjoyed hunting. During the winter months he enjoyed bowling. A passionate Iowa Hawkeyes fan, Tom rarely missed a football game and also loved cheering on the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings.
Above all, Tom loved his family, especially loving being Papa to his grandchildren and was their biggest supporter, proudly attending their many activities while he still could. And once he couldn't attend in person, he loved hearing about them, seeing pictures, and watching videos. Tom loved bragging to anyone he could about what all his grandchildren were doing.
Tom was known for his ornery charm, strong will, and unwavering loyalty. He was a hard worker, a great friend, didn't know a stranger, and someone you could always count on.
Tom is survived by his wife of 59 years, Darla Simpson of Grinnell; his daughter, Kristin (Darren) Van Wyk of Grinnell; and his grandchildren, Kinnick, Kyndall, and Kynslee Van Wyk. Tom is also survived by his brother in laws; Jim (Joy) Pefferman of Edmond, OK, Tim (Deb) Pefferman of Grinnell, IA, Tom (Patty) Pefferman of Boonville, MO. And many nieces, nephews, and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, James (Donna) Simpson, Barb (Joe) Schmidt, and a sister at infancy.
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