A kind, gentle, humble soul left this world on June 3, 2019. Our brother, Tom, died at his home in Tempe, AZ. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and a loyal true friend.
Tom was born in New Rockford, North Dakota to Myron and Mary Ann (Allmaras) Birkeland on June 19, 1958. Graduating from New Rockford Central School in 1976, Tommy excelled in multiple sports. He continued his studies at Valley City State College in Valley City, ND where he played football and golf. Tom’s adventurous spirit took him to Mission Ridge Ski School in Wenatchee, Washington to pursue his love of snow skiing and become a ski instructor. Coming back ‘home’ to North Dakota Tom began working in the oil fields which led him to his passion of operating a crane. Tom moved to Arizona and for the past 31 years has worked as an expert crane operator for Tempe Crane. Tom valued his work family and was proud to be a mentor for many co-workers.
Tom’s greatest pleasures were his faith and his family. Hillsong Church in Phoenix was very influential in Tom’s life and he went on to strengthen his spiritual education through Hillsong Ministry School. Tom modeled his life similar to the famous quote from Gale Sayers, Hall of Fame football player, “The Lord is first, My friends are second, And I am third.”
Tom was very proud of his family and reminded us and his many nieces and nephews to “Keep On Keepin On.” KOKO was his absolute signature.
Tom will be deeply missed by his family: Ann Guler (late Tim), Pelican Rapids, MN; Mike and Carol Birkeland, Tempe, AZ; Terry and Sherri Birkeland, Bemidji, MN; Jose Rodiles (late Betsy), Phoenix, AZ; Bob and Angela Birkeland, Show Low, AZ; Buffy and Scott Medalen, Minot, ND; Timmy and Penny Birkeland, Perham, MN; his many nieces and nephews who adored ‘Uncle Tommy’; Uncle Duane Birkeland; Aunt Mary Ellen Rue; Aunt Beverly Soderholm and many Birkeland, Allmaras, and Bass cousins.
Family greeting Tom at the gates of heaven are our grandparents, Mamie and Olaf Birkeland, Louie and Ann Allmaras, our Mom and Dad, baby sister Susan, sister Betsy and brother-in-law Tim Guler.
Visitation and prayer service will be Monday, June 10 at Green Acres Mortuary (401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ) from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. The funeral service will be Tuesday, June 11 at 10:00 AM, also at Green Acres Mortuary. Tom will be cremated and his ashes will be placed in a special bench next to our beautiful sister Betsy’s grave where he will keep watch over her for eternity.
Suicide prevention is an enormously complex and sensitive challenge. We need to feel connected and support people struggling with life. Reach out. Together we can make a difference. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention memorial fund is a meaningful way to honor our family and friends.
“The need in this world for kindness is paralyzing. The negative news and tragedies are nonstop and overwhelming. We need to share our stories so that global mental health no longer resides and festers in the darkness.” -Lady Gaga
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