"Tom married Donna when I was 5 going on 6 so I don\'t ever really remember Donna without Tom. Tom was always there and he was kind and cheerful and always knew the friends or family that he ran into. Tom was Constant; always the same. Donna, we hope you find comfort in family and strength and peace in the healing power of time.??"
In loving memory of
Thomas "Tom" Lee Tuttle
July 16, 1937 - June 9, 2024
Thomas "Tom" Lee Tuttle, 86, of Peru, Iowa passed away Sunday June 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.
Tom was born July 16, 1937 to Charles Tuttle and Margaret (Guion) Tuttle in Crocker, Iowa and attended Lorimor High School where he met the love of his life, Donna (Austin) Tuttle. They married July 10, 1956 and had two children together, Rick and Terri. He worked as a salesman most of his life with Wonder Bread and Little Debbie. Tom enjoyed going fishing in Canada every year, which has been a family tradition for generations. He also enjoyed hunting, playing card games and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. After retirement, he and Donna enjoyed traveling in their RV and spent many winters at J5 RV Park in Mission, Texas. During their 23 years there, he served on the recreation committee and also served as manager.
Tom is survived by his wife of 67 years, Donna Tuttle; son: Rick Tuttle of Peru, IA; brothers: Bob Tuttle of Winterset, IA and Al Tuttle of Mission, TX; sisters: Betty Lee of Oregon, Judy Leedy of Des Moines, IA, Janet (Ted Paro) Moore of Minnesota, Joan O'Dell of Minnesota and Dottie (Dan) Scharber of Minnesota; 4 grandchildren: Travis (Sabrina) Tuttle of Peru, IA, T.J. Wilmes of Brooklyn, IA, Allison (Cody) Blackford of Maryville, MO and Katie (Dustin) Determan of Melcher-Dallas, IA; 9 Great-Grandchildren: Ashlynn and Corbin Wilmes, Claire, Haiden and Jasper Tuttle, Ryker, Maddox and Dawson Blackford, and Knox Determan. Also left to cherish his memory is Cindy (Tuttle) Scharlau and several special nieces and nephews.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Teresa "Terri" Wilmes; brothers: Charlie Tuttle, George Tuttle, Larry Tuttle, Paul Tuttle, John Tuttle, Melvin Tuttle, and Kelvin Tuttle; and sister Blanche Dykes.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Peru Community Building in Peru, Iowa on June 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Tributes
"Tom was more than my Little Debbie District Supervisor , he was a friend & a dear one at that. He hired me as a young 22 year old & was my mentor up until he retired. He was \"Old School\" never afraid to work hard & didn\'t quit til the job was done. I specifically remember one night it was after 8pm before we got done delivering to the Boone Fareway. He loved people & loved the Little Debbie Business & 35 yrs later I\'m still slinging cakes & trying to run my business like he taught me. Such a kind & gentle person!!!! Donna...Condolences to you & your family. He will be missed!! Jerry & Tammy Loew"
"Our hearts and thoughts go out to our Iowa family friends Rick, Travis, Ally, Katie, Cindy Lou and families. Pat & Monica Weier & Family. Mineral Point, WI"
"My parents, Jerry and June Nickell always spoke highly of Tom! He will be missed by many! Rest easy! ??"
"Tom was such a great man, he tried to help me earlier in life and was around with good advice "