Thomas E. Westbrook was born on April 28, 1935 to Wallace and Valeria (Weis) Westbrook. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. Tom was raised by his sister, Charlotte (Westbrook) and her husband, Fritz Suedbeck, following the untimely death of his parents when he was a child. In 1953 he graduated from Slayton High School. After high school he served his country in the U.S. Army. Tom later went on to complete his college education at South Dakota State University and marry the love of his life, Ann Maroney, in 1960. Together Tom and Ann were blessed with three children.
While raising his family, Tom was employed by Victor Fluid Power located in Granite Falls, Minnesota. For a short time, Tom worked at AMPI in New Ulm, Minnesota. Shortly after he returned to Victor Fluid Power, he managed the Electronic Data Processing Department and implemented emerging computer technology. Also, Tom was active in supporting the Lions Club, the Community Development Council, and he served on the Church Board of Education. Upon retiring Tom kept himself busy for the next ten years working for the Heartland Express Bus service in Granite Falls.
Tom was a devoted husband and father. His family will always treasure the camping trips and time spent together. Throughout his life Tom was an accomplished carpenter and woodworker. During his retirement Tom enjoyed swimming each morning with the 6 A.M. Swimming Club at the Kilowatt Center. He cherished the friendships developed and maintained with the swimming club throughout the years. Tom was always known for his positive attitude and great sense of humor.
Tom is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann; and his three children: Sherri, Doug and Jeffrey. There are five grandchildren (Jason, Ashley, Savanna, Nicole, Alexandra) who will miss Tom dearly. Tom enjoyed seeing his five great-grandchildren as often as possible. Also, Tom is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Valeria; brother, Wallace Westbrook; sister, Charlotte; his brother-in-law, Fritz Suedbeck; a nephew, Richard Suedbeck.
--wingbain.com