Thomas Trode at the age of 77, passed away at his home in Custer, SD on Saturday afternoon, December 26, 2015.

Tom was born on May 19, 1938, in Mitchell, SD to Varley and Marion Trode, and where he was raised with his two brothers, David Trode and Ted Trode. He lived in Mitchell for many years and married his beautiful wife, Jule (Boxeth) Trode, in March 1959. They were blessed with 3 children, Lynette, Shane, and LaRae. Tom worked as a truck driver, for Porter Music and Vending, and REA before moving to Custer in 1985 where he worked and retired from Custer State Park. He then created Trode Enterprises and worked as a handyman for many years. After losing his first wife to cancer he found and married Margaret (Lowe) Trode who he shared the rest of his life with.

Tom was a hardworking carpenter and handyman who helped many people with his vast skill-set. Some would say he was a jack-of-all-trades. He was a stubborn, fun-loving man with a big heart.

He was survived by his wife, Margaret Trode; his children, Shane (Michelle) Trode; Lynette (Shane) Baysinger; LaRae (Terry) Hendricksen; these families included 9 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; his step-son, Brett Lowe, and brother, David (Sherrill) Trode.

Tom was preceded in death by his first wife, Jule Trode; his parents, Varley and Marion Trode; brother, Ted Trode; and granddaughter, RaeLynne Pike.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 1, 2016, at the Custer Community Church with Rev. Jeri Behringer officiating.

A memorial has been established in Thomas's name.