Thomas Lee Rempp

Thomas Lee Rempp, 70, of Grinnell, died June 7, 2021, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell. A private family celebration of life graveside service and burial will be held at Westfield Cemetery. Memorials in Tom’s memory may be designated to the Westfield Cemetery Association or to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., 200 First St. SW, Rochester, Minn. 55905.

Tom was born June 17, 1950, in Grinnell, the son of Donald Milton and Lauretta Lincoln Rempp. He was raised on the family farm in the Westfield Community, south of Grinnell. He attended a country school near his home through the second grade and then the Grinnell schools, graduating from Grinnell High School in 1968. He received his BA degree from Drake University in Des Moines in 1972.

Tom took great pride and was devoted to the care of his mother, whom had cancer, for more than 12 years. She passed away at the age of 61. During this time, Tom started an off-road motorcycle business with the help of his friend, Denny Farland.

On Jan. 25, 2003, he was united in marriage to Donna Rae Sloan in Monroe. The couple lived in Grinnell and they took care of his father at home, keeping him out of a nursing home until the last month of his life, at age 95.

Tom was employed at The Vernon Company in Newton, as a graphic designer, artist and product development manager. This is where he met Cecil Woofter and Tom Kliegl who both became mentors and very good friends. He operated Graphic Communication, a free-lance commercial art business for several years, with major customers including, The Vernon Company and A.S.I. Signs. Later, he worked at Commercial Printer, as director of marketing.

Tom’s home was his “Castle!” He built most of the house by himself over a span of 40 years, making four additions to the original house and remodeling several times. He spent countless hours walking through his timber and was always fascinated with its inner-seclusion. He loved the outdoors!

His hobbies included photography, off-road motorcycling, playing poker and traveling; his travels included visiting 46 U.S. states, Jamaica, Canada and Mexico. He held a passion for the arts, architecture, castles and dragons. He will be known best for his love and kindness.

Tom is survived by his cousin, Miriam Chapman of Omaha and her family; and several good friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Don and Lauretta Rempp; and his wife, Donna in 2016.