Thomas Duane Back

Thomas Duane Back

Palo

Thomas Duane Back, 81, of Palo, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones at UnityPoint-St. Luke’s Hospital from a sudden illness, the day before his 82nd birthday. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2023, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Services at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Burial will follow at Palo Cemetery with military honors.

Tom was born April 1, 1941, in Oxford, Iowa, to John and Hattie Back. He grew up in Spring Valley, Minn., and served in the Air Force before a career at Collins Radio, retiring in 1999 after 35 years.

Tom is survived by Merna, his loving wife of 57 years; daughters, Paula (Kirk) Gunter and DeeAnne Loveland (Dan Waltz), all of Palo, Iowa; his grandchildren, Parker Gusta, Katelyn (Kyle) Bundy – with new great-granddaughter on the way, Colton Loveland and Jesse Gunter; a brother, Hubert (Pattie); his honorary sister, Dawn (Dave) Coffman; and sister-in-law, Karen Back; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents; sister Eileen; and three brothers John, Gail, and George.

The family wishes to thank the Linn Co. Sheriff’s Department, Palo Fire Department and Hiawatha Ambulance for their assistance.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Palo Fire Department or Palo United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.