Thomas John Collier Jr.

Thomas John Collier, lovingly known as “Tommy” by his wife and family, passed away suddenly due to a cardiac event on June 19, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 65. A Visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, located at 8201 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322. Interment will follow immediately at Glendale Cemetery.

Tom was born on March 10, 1960, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the eldest of five siblings born to Thomas John Collier and Peg Collier. A graduate of Father Judge High School in 1978, Tom later pursued studies in business before dedicating much of his professional life to his role as a data analyst at Wells Fargo in Des Moines, Iowa. He had planned to retire in March of 2026, with the joyful goal of perfecting his pretzel recipe—a passion he pursued with the same diligence he gave to his work and his family and God.

A man of deep faith and warm hospitality, Tom was active in evangelistic ministry and pastoral work throughout his life. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, and closely identified with the message of Acts 2:38: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

In the 1980s, Tom served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force, spending two years stationed in Italy and Montana. His commitment to service continued well beyond his military years, demonstrated in his spiritual leadership and devotion to his family.

In 1994, Tom married the love of his life, Dianne, in Great Falls, Montana. Over the course of their 31-year marriage, they built a legacy of love, faith and family. Together they raise five children:

•    Camry Collier, with children Lilian, Eastin, and Austyn
•    Colten and Bailey Collier, with children Chloe and Caden
•    Ciera and Adam Marshall, with children Bradley and Ryan
•    Cheyenne and Eric Gardner, with children Gallatin and Gates
•    Jennifer and Bobby Walde, with children Elizabeth, Whitney, Jackson, and Teagan
  
  

Tom cherished nothing more than time spent with Dianne, their children, and their grandchildren. He was known for bringing laughter to family gatherings, sharing stories of his younger years, and showing up with pretzels and other baked goods from his kitchen. His presence was a source of comfort and joy to those around him. His favorite pastimes included baking (especially pretzels), tending to his patio herb garden, and enjoying quiet, meaningful moments with those he loved most.

Tom is preceded in death by his father, Thomas John Collier. He is survived by his mother, Peggy Collier, his four brothers (and spouses) Jason and Sandy Collier, Brian and Karen Collier, Keith and Kelli Collier, and Johnny and Donna Collier, and many nieces and nephews. Jason, Brian, Keith, and Johnny will serve as pallbearers along with Colten Collier.

Tom will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his humble and generous heart, and the countless lives he touched through both word and deed. He had a quiet strength, a warm smile, and a way of making people feel heard and valued. His legacy of faith, service, and love will live on in the many hearts he impacted. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy that will live on in his family, his church, and all who had the privilege to know him.