Tomas “Tom” J. Idso

NEVIS–Tomas “Tom” J. Idso, age 86, of Nevis, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Woodstone Senior Living in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 1:30 P.M. at Christ Lutheran Church in Cottonwood, Minnesota, with Pastor Janel Kuester officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in Christ Lutheran Cemetery.

Tomas “Tom” Jon Idso was born on March 30, 1939, in Hanley Falls, Minnesota, to Christine (Anderson) and Tormod Idso. He was raised in Cottonwood, Minnesota, alongside his older brother, David. Together, they shared many adventures during their childhood and teenage years, experiences that helped shape Tom’s interests, character, and values.

After graduating from high school, Tom enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he served with the Army Corps of Engineers from 1958 to 1962. Following his honorable service, he returned home to Cottonwood.

On June 30, 1962, he married Georgia Lee Kelly, and together they made their home in Cottonwood, raising their two sons, Jason and Nathan. During this time, Tom began his lifelong career with Gesme Printing. He was an active member of both his church and community, earning the respect of family, friends, and members of the community as he quietly led by faith and example. Georgia passed away in 1991, leaving Tom to carry on, always treasuring the years they shared.

Fulfilling his lifelong dream of building his retirement home in northern Minnesota, Tom purchased land and built a log home on the shores of Eight Crow Wing Lake near Nevis, Minnesota. In 1994, after retiring, Tom found love again with Darlene Dau, and the two were married on December 30 of that year. Through their marriage, Tom’s family grew to include Darlene’s children — Noland Nehk, Todd Nehk, and Melissa Dau.

Tom was a lifelong fisherman and hunter and enjoyed woodworking in his free time. His attention to detail was impeccable; anyone could see the care and precision he put into every project he completed. He treasured time with family and friends, sharing his quiet wisdom, kind heart, and gentle humor. Tom’s family and friends will remember him as a man of faith, dedication, and integrity, whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew him.

Tom is survived by his wife, Darlene; sons, Jason (Terry) and Nathan (Lynette); Darlene’s children, Noland (Annette), Todd, and Melissa; grandchildren, Dylan Idso, Devin Idso, Darrick (Sarah) Idso, Taylor (Jordan) Carlson, Dalton (Ciarra Resmen) Idso, Kaley Idso, Kaylijah (Dexter) Dunham, Shayla (Josiah Stoesz) Dau, and Saisha Dau; great-grandsons, Ezra Dunham and Samuel Idso; and great-grandchild #3, due in January 2026. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Norman (Joann) Kiser; sisters-in-law, Norma Kiser-Larson and Velda Koltes; dear friends, Steve and Kristin Basinger; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Georgia; his brother, David; his nephew, Kristian Idso; and other cherished family members.

Arrangements by the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online Obituaries and Guest Book available at www.hantge.com.