Thomas, “Tom” Holstlaw, 87, of Sandoval, passed away Monday, September 4, 2023, in his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on April 15, 1936, the son of Robert James and Flossie (Pigg) Holstlaw at his family’s home in Sandoval. He married, Ruth Ann “Teddy” Basola on November 23, 1963, in Sandoval and she preceded him in death on July 29, 2008.
Survivors that will remember Tom as a warm, loving, and devoted man to his family include his sons, Brian Dale Holstlaw (Teresa Oberlin) of Columbus, Ohio, and Todd Allen Holstlaw (Megan) of Columbus, Ohio; his grandchildren, Ashley Ann Bender (Buddy) of Centralia, and Blake Holstlaw (Kathryn) of Iuka, Zachery Johnson (Nicole) of Atlanta, Georgia, Caden Johnson, and Emma Johnson both of Columbus, Ohio; his great-grandchildren, Braiden Gray, Brooklyn Bender, Brysen Bender, Briley Bender, Brian Bender, Journey Holstlaw, Hayden Irvin, Trevin Lewis; sisters-in-law, Barb Sullivan, and Mary Basola; brother-in-law, Joe Basola (Judy); and several beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his eternally beloved wife of 44 years, Teddy Holstlaw; his son, Kevin Dwaine Holstlaw; his parents, Robert and Flossie Holstlaw; his brothers, Leroy Holstlaw, Dwain Holstlaw, and William “Bill” Holstlaw (Shirley); his sister, Ethel Bowers; brother-in-law, Lewis Basola; sister-in-law, Donna Timmons; and his dearly loved companion of 14 years, Carolyn Seats.
Tom was in the United States Army, serving his country with honor and pride, from 1960 – 1962 during the Berlin Crisis. He was a man of incredible integrity and honor with a deep sense of personal responsibility. As a boy, he was instilled with a strong work ethic which he carried throughout his entire life. While in high school he started working as an independent contractor in the oil fields and continued for 20 years. Tom was a loyal employee of GTE Telephone Company for 30 years, while also putting in many long days as a farmer. His love of farming drove him to constantly improve himself and his family. Tom never truly retired, continuing to farm for several years with his best friend, Don Rohner. Tom loved the rhythm of the tractor from planting to harvest season. He was proud to have been part of the farming community. He started farming at the age of ten, purchasing his first five acres at the age of 18, and growing those five acres to over 1,200 acres during his 77-year farming career.
He was a devout family man, constantly providing love and support to his family and friends. He was also devout in his faith and served as a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Sandoval. Tom was a familiar face in the community and an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, Shriners, Masons, and Farm Bureau, and was a former member of the VFW Post 2055. Tom had a passion for travel, heading to destinations unknown, discovering adventures, and admiring crops along the way. He loved the beauty of going out west, the reminder of the magnitude of sacrifice while in Normandy, the beauty of France, the history of Rome, and the experience of seeing Pope Benedict with his family while in New York. He was a great storyteller and loved discussing current topics and reminiscing while enjoying a good cup of coffee with his friends at the coffee shop. Tom’s favorite pastime was hosting family cookouts and attending thousands of family get-togethers. Everyone was welcomed at his table, where there was always an extra plate for whomever might meander in.
With his sense of humor, wisdom, strong moral compass, dedication to his family, and kindness to all, Tom was a role model for all. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Death ends a life, not a relationship. It is in our hearts he will always be remembered.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 8, 2023, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Sandoval with Father Patrick Peter officiating. Interment will follow at Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin, where military rite will be accorded by the VFW Post 2055 and the Centralia American Legion Post 446. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 7, 2023, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval. There will also be a visitation time from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at the funeral home in Sandoval. Memorials may be made in Tom’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Peaceful Valley Cemetery, the American Cancer Society, or Muscular Dystrophy Association. Online condolences and memories of Tom may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfunerlahomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
