Thomas Brady

Thomas Eugene Brady, 76 - the original Tom Brady - went home to Paradise January 5, 2022. If you knew Tom, you wouldn’t ask what happened; you would say, “How is that possible? I thought he was invincible.”

If he were reading this, Tom would be embarrassed. He was the kind of man who didn’t naturally call attention to himself. Just a few days ago, Tom said he had no idea how he landed such an awesome wife because he considered himself to be an introvert. Those who know him from Pleasant Hill Church of Christ, where he was a baptized member, find that description entertaining. Because Tom wasn’t shy about asking questions in Bible study or during classes.

His questioning mind truly defines Tom. He liked to wonder about things: life, trees, UFO’s, Bigfoot. That doesn’t mean he didn’t have strong ideas. If you caught him at the right moment, he would definitely let you know whether or not you were wearing your hat correctly.

After graduating from Altoona High School in 1962, he went to an electronic training school in Kentucky, which ended disastrously. However, it led to him attending Grand View Junior College for two years, where he met his wife (It was meant to be, according to Tom), before graduating from Drake University with a business degree. His first job was as a manager for Firestone, where he kept Oreos in his desk drawer to stave off the smell of rubber. Who are we kidding? He just loved chocolate!

Tom’s curiosity led him to become an artist and a dreamer. Tom designed a golf course for his father’s test farm, and in 1973 Tom and his family opened Toad Valley Golf Course. Wanting to stand out, Tom created molds of toads to make tee markers. These became iconic and can be found in many people’s gardens (not because they were sold). Soon, Tom began planting tree nurseries throughout and around the golf course, creating hazards that frustrate golfers to this day. To count, Tom planted over 25,000 trees.

In fact, trees symbolize Tom more than anything. Self-taught, Tom became a national tree expert who wrote regular articles for the Iowa Woodland Owners Association, of which he was a proud member. His area of expertise was finding ways to grow trees that were not native to Iowa. There wasn’t a seed or a pod the man could pass up.

Tom was born January 28, 1945, to Dale and Audrey Brady. He and his brothers, Dan and Steve, were cherished. They even had Shetland ponies!

As Tom’s friends will attest, meeting the love of his life, Lois “Fred” Friedrichsen, put him on the straight and narrow path, and he never looked back. Their marriage of 56 years was blessed with three children: Jason (Theresa) Brady, Julene (Scott) Pappan, and Allison (Kelly) George, 12 grandchildren: Ashten, Alena, Ryane, Austin, Niko, Clay, Justin, Brady, Carly, Hunter, Carson, and Sophia, and 11 great grandchildren. Tom is also survived by his brother, Steve (Nancy) Brady and countless relatives and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother Dan.

The family will greet Tom’s fan club at Hamilton’s on 605 Lyon St. Sunday, January 9 from 5-7 pm. His service will be at the same location Monday, January 10 at 11 am. A reception celebrating his amazing life will be held at Toad Valley Golf Course following his burial at Rising Sun Cemetery.

Please make donations in Tom’s honor to the Iowa Woodland Owners Association or Wounded Warriors.

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