Thomas W. Monk died Sept. 24, 2009 in Elkader, Iowa, from brain cancer. Tom was born to Mildred “Trudy” (Whitaker) and Clyde Monk on May 6, 1948, in Pittston, PA. He spent his first 18 years in the Pittston area. Two weeks after high school gradation, his uncle took him to Fairbanks, Alaska, to attend the university. When they crossed the Canadian border into Alaska on July 4, 1966, Tom found his true home. He lived there almost 40 years.

He graduated from UAF in 1972 where he enjoyed college life, UAF hockey, men’s softball, hunting and fishing, and he began his career in the fire service. He told incredible stories of his adventures enjoying everything Alaska had to offer. After fulfilling his military duty with the Army Medical Corps in 1974, he returned to Alaska.

He met his wife, Vanita Thomsen, in Juneau, Alaska, and they married in 1980. Their son, Travis, was born there in 1982. After a brief time “Outside,” they moved to North Pole, Alaska, where he was fire chief for four years. He then returned to work for Alaska Fire Service Training and retired from the Alaska Fire Service in 1999.

In 2005 they left Alaska and chose Clayton County for their retirement home. Tom loved his new home and the friends he made in his short time in Iowa. He enjoyed watching wildlife, birds and the seasonal changes from the front window of his log home.

Throughout his life, Tom enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching UAF hockey and the Chicago Cubs, and almost any sporting event. He had an incredible talent for figuring out how things worked so he could build, repair or alter. After hours of practice as a Boy Scout, he could tie any type of knot. He carved and finished diamond willow walking sticks and furniture. He met amazing people who became lifelong friends. He was an active member of the North Pole sports council which provided playing fields for Little League and soccer.

He is preceded in death by the parents, grandparents and special uncles in Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife Vanita, son Travis, sisters Peg (Paul) Dudzick and Susan (Ken) Best and niece Caitlin Best in Pennsylvania; sisters-in-law Glenda (Robert) McIntire and Ilene (Roger) Pohlman in Iowa, and several special aunts and uncles.

In acknowledgement of his analytical skills, and his lifelong pursuit of knowledge, his body was donated to the University of Iowa for science and research. According to his wishes there will be no local services. Inurnment will follow later in Nebraska. Memorial get-togethers will be held later in Pennsylvania and Alaska. In lieu of flowers if you wish, please donate to your local volunteer fire department or youth sports organization. Condolences may be sent to the family at 20398 Depot Road, St. Olaf, IA 52072.