Donate to Tom's Legacy and Family Support

For the past year, Tom has been struggling with a vicious diagnosis of HPV throat cancer. He couldn't work much of the time during this battle, and money was his second constant worry over his health. After his treatments last year, Mark, Tom's only brother, encouraged him to join us in Iowa. He drove him from California to Iowa in September of last year. Mark and Tarra, his sister-in-law, and their family were what he wanted to be surrounded by when he left this life.

Tom started working at a HyVee Wine & Spirits department store and brought his expertise. He was able to do some wine tastings and spend his last holidays with our family. These things brought him great joy, and we are grateful he had more moments surrounded by the job he loved and his family. We were with him every step of the way through this horrific journey that he faced.

When the cancer returned in late January, Tom didn't want to lose his job, and the company was terrific to work for, but eventually, Tom had no choice but to put his health first. It was our greatest honor to walk him through this journey.

Tom, of course, made friends everywhere he went. Many have asked how they can help, or in what way can they honor Tom. We have two options for you to consider:

1. The medical bills are significant, and we are planning his burial in Minnesota for June 2025. If you would like to help honor Tom, please consider donating toward his medical and burial expenses.

2. If you would rather donate to a non-profit, Tom would love your support of the City of Pierz Food Shelf, in Morrison County, MN. This food pantry was run by Tom's late mom, Bernadette Stangl, and father, Daniel Stangl, and has been near and dear to the entire Stangl Family.

The Pierz Area Food Shelf. 220 Main Street S. Apt. #5, Pierz, MN 56364

Thank you for all your love and encouragement over the past few days. Losing someone you love is hard; losing someone like this is heartbreaking. Tom wanted to live. He wanted more time. Just a few days before he passed away, he said he couldn't wait to return to the store. That is where he found fulfillment and joy.

Thank you to those who reached out to him over the past year. He loved knowing he had you all in his corner with thoughts and prayers.

If Tom has positively touched your life, please consider either of these two options.

Mark and Tarra Stangl & family