Thomas "Tom" Dimke

Thomas Tom Ralph Dimke, 71, of Great Falls, a retired business owner, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2012 of complications from Alzheimers disease at an assisted living home.A Funeral Liturgy will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. with Father Dick Schlosser and Father James Birkmaier presiding. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Thomas Tom Ralph Dimke, was born on January 6, 1941 in Great Falls, Montana to Ralph and Irene (Leiffring) Dimke.A lifelong resident of Great Falls, Tom met the love of his life, Tamara (Murphy), in 1960 while they were both attending the College of Great Falls.He earned his B.A. and in 1965, he and Tamara married in Anaconda. In 1966, they had their first child, Mark.They were blessed with a second son, Scott, a couple years later.After working for Nelson Scofield Tires during his college years, Tom went on to work as a department manager for Montgomery Wards.He then worked for IBM before he and his wife decided to become business owners.In 1976, they bought Western Office Equipment, which they have owned and operated since.The lake was a special place for Tom and his wife to share with numerous friends, which they did often. He enjoyed many activities including golfing, skiing, drag racing, hunting and working on cars.However, above all else, he found greatest joy with his family, grandchildren and trekking the country with his wife.Tom was extremely active and involved in numerous local committees, boards and community projects. He had a pioneering mind and was known to always have a project.Respected as a vital contributor to his community, he will forever be remembered as Mr. Fix It.Although he was taken from us too soon, he will forever hold a special place in our hearts as a devoted husband, wonderful father, grandfather and mentor.Toms life cannot be summed up in just a few words, but he was truly a great man.We love you, Tom.Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Tamara (Tammy) Dimke of Great Falls; sons Mark Dimke and his wife Kristi of Cedar Rapids, IA and Scott Dimke and his wife Christie of Great Falls; brother Richard Dimke and his wife Virginia of Jefferson, OR; nephews Jeff, Matt and Shawn; grandchildren Christine, Alex, Payton and Deryk and numerous cousins.He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Ilene and his brother John.In lieu flowers, donations and memorials are suggested to St. Anns Soup Kitchen, 715 3rd Ave. North, Great Falls, 59401or the McLaughlin Research Institute to research Alzheimers disease, 1520 23rd Street South, Great Falls 59405. Condolences may be left for the family at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.