Thomas "Tom" Joseph Kroutil

Thomas “Tom” Joseph Kroutil passed away on January 10, 2025. He was born on March 16, 1942, to Lewis and Anita Kroutil in Yukon, Oklahoma. He was the third of six children.

 On October 2, 1965, Tom married the love of his life at Holy Trinity Catholic Church: Gertrude Rother. Henceforth, there wasn’t Tom without “Gert”, and, together, their marriage was a witness to Christ’s love in the world. Those around them could count on their selfless love and generosity. They went on to have two sons, four grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. 

 Tom had a rich and diverse work history (an endless source of stories and life experience). He was a Veteran of the National Guard for seven years; however, the work he truly loved was farming in Sparks, Oklahoma. Tom’s perseverance, determination, strong work ethic, and, of course, sense of humor, saw him through the ups and downs of a farmer’s life. He loved calving, feeding the cattle, tirelessly working on the farm equipment, bailing hay, maintaining the fence rows, and preparing his equipment for the long workdays ahead. When the workday was done, he enjoyed sitting outside the shop or on the patio with family, visitors (there was never a shortage), and a cold beer (Busch, to be specific). 

 His passion for farming has passed down through generations, inspiring his children and grandchildren to continue the family tradition. He taught his children and grandchildren how to farm, build, take care of baby calves (even those that are blind), hunt and butcher white tail deer, “know their snake”, and even how to incubate a wild egg to identify it. Above all, he taught his sons, grandsons, and nephews how to be men; and he showed his granddaughters and nieces what it means to be treated like a beloved daughter. He was the favorite uncle of many.

 Tom had a generous spirit. He was always willing to lend a hand to others in need. If there was work to be done or a problem to be solved, Tom would be there without hesitation and without any expectation of a return; this mentality extended from his own family to his surrounding neighbors who remember him fondly. Truly, he had a father’s heart; he cared for everyone as though they were family. No one was outside the realms of his kindness. 

 A wake will be held on Tuesday, January 14 at 7pm followed by a funeral mass on Wednesday, January 15 at 10am at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Attendees are invited to a gathering at Sparks Winery following the burial at Bethel Grove Cemetery.