Thomas “Tom” Ralph Wlaschin, 69, passed away at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD on December 20, 2020 after suffering a fall in his home earlier in the month. Cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of Tom’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers or gifts the family will establish a scholarship fund in Tom’s name to assist families of students with their educational needs. Online condolences may be made in Tom’s honor by viewing his memorial page at www.bridgmanfunealhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
The third of six brothers, Tom was born on November 12,1951, in San Diego, CA, to Joe and Charlotte Wlaschin. A devoted son, loving brother, passionate educator, Tom attended St. Agnes School, Scottsbluff Junior and Senior High and graduated in 1969. Tom graduated from the University of Wyoming and Chadron State College with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees respectively, then entered the teaching profession in Norfolk, Nebraska. There he met his lifelong friends, Steve and Colleen along with 5 other dear friends, with whom he developed a passion for camping and fishing and shared a weeklong fishing derby every summer for more than 40 years, even as his teaching career took him to Ord, Grand Island, Gering, and Scottsbluff. No stranger to travel, Tom could often be found travelling with his parents from coast to coast to visit the extended family, including the many nieces and nephews who were very special to him.
Tom held teaching and administrator positions all over the state of Nebraska, eventually settling in Scottsbluff where he taught at Lake Minatare School, Haig Country School, and Gering Junior High. He retired from teaching after a 30-year career but continued to volunteer and tutor at St. Agnes School in Scottsbluff, NE until the time of his death.
Tom is survived by his 5 brothers JB “Butch” and wife Rosemary, Joseph “Jack”, Patrick and his wife Sharon, Christopher and his wife Pam, Andy and his wife Gina, 15 nephews and nieces: Kirt, Mark, Craig, Lisa, Molly, Aaron, Brian, Jeramiah, Nathaniel, Brandon, Charlotte, Noah, Ericka, AJ, Cameron, and 22 great nieces and nephews. Tom is also survived by the hundreds of teachers and students he came in contact with over his lifetime as an educator, principal, volunteer and friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Charlotte.
