Death notice for Thomas Ubbe Feeken

Thomas Ubbe Feeken, 90, died on June 18, 2017. Tom, as his friends knew him, was born at home in Rushmore, MN on February 11, 1927 to Henry and Tillie (Sherfield) Feeken. Like many of his generation, his formal education ended in the 8th grade, and he learned about hard work at a young age. Although drafted for WWII, the war ended before he could serve, because he was needed to harvest the family's crops.

   On September 4, 1947, Tom married the love of his life, Helen Oltmans. They lived in several places around Worthington, MN, eventually having two children: Nancy and Merlin. Tom did whatever was necessary to provide for his family, holding down assorted jobs from painting houses to working for a moving company, but always returned to farming. Losing his land to eminent domain, around 1979, Tom, Helen, and Merlin packed up and headed north to Clearbrook, MN, where he continued farming. A few years later, his daughter and her family followed. Within weeks, all were devastated by the loss of Helen; Tom and Helen were married for over three decades.

   As he aged, Tom shifted from multiple fields to one large garden, growing some of the best strawberries around, along with pumpkin, potatoes, and various vegetables. When not tending to his land, he could be found drinking coffee, playing cards, and BS-ing with his friends at the café. He spent his last days in his own home and, with the help of his son, made sure that his crops were completely in the ground before he passed, saying on the final day that he was in the field "that the garden has never looked this good."

   He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

   He is survived by his children Nancy (Larry) Alberts and Merlin (Vickye) Feeken; his grandchildren Crystal Alberts (Mike Flynn), Michael (Micki) Alberts, Jackie, Johnny, Jody, and Jamey O'Beirne, and nine great-grandchildren, including Payton Alberts.

   He was preceded in death by his beloved Helen, his parents, his sister (Tena), his brothers-in-law (Ray and Donnie), as well as many other family and friends.

 

Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com

Richards Publishing

P.O. Box 159
239 2nd Ave
Gonvick, MN 56644
Telephone: (218) 487-5225
email: richards@gvtel.com

 

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