Thomas “Tom” J. Kilpatrick, 81, of rural Palo, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 9, 2018, at his home after a six-month battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, from 4 - 6 p.m. at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids. Funeral mass will be conducted by Fr. Dustin Vu on Thursday, September 13, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John XXIII Catholic Church. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the mass at the church. Burial will follow the ceremony at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Tom was born on May 3, 1937, in Waukon, Iowa, to John and Mildred (Mellick) Kilpatrick. He attended rural schools and graduated from Waukon High School in 1955.

On May 11, 1957, he married Jeanette Magner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in West Ridge, Iowa. He was a member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church.

Tom came to Cedar Rapids after graduation. He became a carpenter by trade and in 1974 started his own construction business.

Tom and Jeanette purchased their farm in rural Palo in 1974 and Tom became a part-time farmer by choice, the job he loved most. Their place quickly became known to all as "The Farm" and was the central hub for many family gatherings and celebrations.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jeanette, and his seven devoted children, Kent (Chris) Kilpatrick, LeAnn (Gary) Drew, Tim (Lisa) Kilpatrick, Mark Kilpatrick (Jayne Recker), Katie (Matt) Lawler, Sheila (Dave) Jellison, and Tricia (Doug) Fifield. He is also survived by ten grandsons, two step-grandsons, nine granddaughters, six great grandchildren, and two step-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Ann (Pete) Prentice, Mary Ellen (Walter) Drew, Virginia Cook, Bill Kilpatrick, Dale (Darlene) Kilpatrick, Deryl (Pat) Kilpatrick), Elaine (Chuck) Monnahan, and Evelyn (Fred) Sealy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John, Robert and Greg Kilpatrick; sisters, Lorraine and Linda Kilpatrick; and an infant grandson, Andrew.

Tom loved time with his family, tinkering on his farm, winter trips to Arizona, and playing cards. He enjoyed many annual fall trips back to the West Ridge and Waukon with his sons, sons-in-law, nephews and brothers. His kind soul will be so missed and life on "The Farm" will never be the same. The memories will live on forever through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and we are thankful and blessed for our time with him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to St. John XXIII Catholic Church for the needy.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Mercy and Synergy Home Care for their amazing support.

Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service