Thomas Laursen

Thomas (Tom) F. Laursen passed away February 3rd, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 92. Tom was born May 8th, 1923 in American Fork, UT to Tarvel & Omelia (Padfield) Laursen and was the 3rd of 6 children. Tom attended Harrington Elementary and grew up spending time at his dad's Blacksmith Shop and riding in his dad's shiny new Buick. He spent a lot of time milking cows which in turn gave him the strongest grip up to his last days. He graduated from Am. Fork High School in 1941.
Right after graduation, Tom joined the Navy as a Radio Operator a year before WWII started. He served on a Naval vessel in the Pacific for the duration of the war. In October of 1945, he was released as a Radioman, 3rd Class. When he returned home, he was working at "Boley's" when LaVon (Bonnie) Wilson walked in. He said he took one look at her and knew he was going to marry her. They were married on December 5th, 1947 in American Fork, UT.
In 1950, Tom was activated for The Korean War where he again served on a naval ship for a year. After he returned, he got his Draftsman Degree at Utah Trade Tech. He then worked for Utah Power & Light as a Draftsman and later, an Estimator. He retired after 30+ years.
Tom was the father to Diane, Danny, David, Steven, Cindy & Nancy. He had a great sense of humor and loved to joke and play with them. He was a hard worker and showed his kids how important it was to provide for yourself.
Tom was a member of The LDS Church and loved to serve in the temple.
He served a 12 month service mission for the church in the Welfare Services Department at the Lindon Utah Bishops' Storehouse.
He also enjoyed donating his time as a tutor at Greenwood Elementary
as well as volunteering at the American Fork Hospital. One of his best life experiences was being invited to join the November 10-12 2006 Utah WWII Veteran's Hero Flight where he visited the World War II Veteran's Monument . It was certainly an honor he deserved.
Tom loved collecting trains and guns and passed that love onto his sons and grandsons. He was known for sitting at his kitchen table with a deck of cards, playing solitaire. He taught many of his grandkids how to shuffle and the game of Poker.
Tom was the Grandpa to 18 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. All of his grandkids will treasure the time they spent picking apples at his home, his homemade breakfasts, chasing peacocks and being pushed on the swings.
Tom was well known in the community and as a lifelong resident of American Fork.
Tom's greatest legacy was the love of his family. He was quick to forgive and gave his unconditional love. We are thankful to have his love and example in our lives and will miss him deeply.
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Anderson & Sons Mortuary chapel, 49 East 100 North, American Fork. A viewing will be held Sunday from 6-8 p.m. and Monday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial in American Fork Cemetery. Please share a memory at andersonmortuary.com.