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Thomas J. "Tom"
Sheets

September 10, 1941 – November 11, 2018

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Thomas Sheets
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Obituary for Thomas J. "Tom" Sheets

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Thomas J. Sheets, 77, of Independence, IA passed peacefully Sunday, November 11 of end-stage Parkinson's disease.

Tom was born September 10, 1941 in Iowa City, IA the son of Clair and Josephine (Plank) Sheets. He was a 1960 graduate of Tipton High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Morningside College, Sioux City, IA in 1965. Later that fall he began teaching for Independence Community Schools. In 1966 he married Sara Rogers. To this union three children were born: Jeff, Stephanie and Carrie. On May 6, 1989 he was united in marriage to Rhonda Amfahr. Tom taught for 10 years, followed by a short time in the insurance and real estate industry as well as substitute teaching. He was also Director of the Independence Chamber of Commerce, President of the Independence and Iowa Jaycees and did public speaking throughout the state of Iowa. In 1984 he began working for BankIowa until his retirement in 2017. Tom also coached for over 30 years including football and freshman boys’ basketball. He was a charter member of the East-West football group and a member of St. John’s Catholic Church.

Tom’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He was fondly referred to as “COACH.” He earned this title not only from the countless hours he spent coaching, but also because he simply wanted to inspire young people to be their best. Tom believed it wasn't always about the wins and losses on the field, but rather how to win at the game of life.

He is survived by his wife Rhonda and three children: Jeff (Carol) Sheets of Dubuque, IA, Stephanie (Ed) Detwiler of Las Vegas, NV and Carrie (Mark) Peters of Jefferson, IA; five grandchildren: Elizabeth and Jacquelyn Sheets and Kyle, Clayton, and Alexa Peters; a brother Wally (Beth) Sheets of Sarasota, FL and a sister-in-law Pat Sheets of Tipton, IA; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Bob (R.C.) Sheets.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 16 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Independence, IA. Private Interment services will be held at a later date. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday with a Parish Vigil Service held at 8 p.m. at Reiff Family Center ~ Funeral Home in Independence, IA.

To send flowers to the family of Thomas J. "Tom" Sheets, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Visitation

When Thursday, November 15th, 2018 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Location
Reiff Family Center - Independence
Address
216 3rd Ave SE
Independence, IA 50644

Service Information

When
Friday, November 16th, 2018 1:30pm
Location
St. John's Catholic Church
Address
209 5th Ave NE
Independence, IA 50644

Interment Information

Location
St. John's Catholic Cemetery
Address
Independence, IA 50644
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