Subscribe to the Daily Globe

Your Local Connection

print article Print     e-mail obituary E-mail
Published May 04, 2012, 12:00 AM

Obituary: Thomas Riley

Thomas Delaney Riley was born December 13, 1930 to Frank and Florence (Delaney) Riley. He attended Riley school District 117, then Sioux Valley High School graduating in 1948. His father died when Tom was 19 and he had to take over the farming operation.

Thomas Delaney Riley was born December 13, 1930 to Frank and Florence (Delaney) Riley. He attended Riley school District 117, then Sioux Valley High School graduating in 1948. His father died when Tom was 19 and he had to take over the farming operation.

Thomas was united in marriage to Catherine Theobald September 11, 1954 in Sherburn. They settled on the Riley homestead in Round Lake Township where they lived until 1961. That year they moved to their own farm located outside Worthington where they raised cattle, hogs and grain. In 1984, he saw an opportunity in the John Deere business and bought his first store, Tracy Equipment in Tracy. He subsequently bought two additional John Deere stores in Sheldon, IA and Slayton. Catherine passed away January 25, 2006. He married Mary R. Royer in March 2008 in Mancos, CO. Thomas died on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington.

Thomas is survived by his nine children: Frank (Chris) Riley, Worthington; Mary Catherine Riley, Bloomington; Dan (Jan) Riley, Round Lake; Peter (Vanessa) Riley, Hartley, IA; Dr. Ann Riley (Dr. Mike Gmurek), Tahlequah, OK; Patrick Riley (Teresa Owens -special friend and her children Coral, Jasmine, Ashley & Calah); Colleen (John) Bowman, Algona, IA; Michael (Christy) Riley, Brewster; Dr. Rose Riley (Steve Dennison) Sioux Falls, SD and eight grandchildren: Officer Mark Riley (Worthington) Leah Riley (Marshall, MN), KC Riley (Worthington), Vincent Riley (Worthington), Amanda and Katie Murek (Tahlequah, OK), Gabriel Riley (Hartley, IA), Annette Dennison (Sioux Falls, SD). He is also survived by his wife, Mary Rene, sister, Sally Fairchild Nordstrom, Terril, IA and brother, Jim, Salt Lake City, UT. He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine, his father, mother and a brother, Phillip.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Worthington, with Father Jim Callahan officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Worthington.

In lieu of flowers/memorials, please donate to your local food pantry or Sunset Cottage Hospice in Worthington.

Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of the arrangements.

Tags: , 

Sign the guestbook (4 comments)

Jacque C.
Sioux Falls, SD     05/04/2012 10:52 PM

My condolences on the unfortunate departure of your father. May you have the balance and courage to endure the road ahead. Thoughts and prayers. Jacque Cole

Report a Violation

David C.
Sioux Falls, SD     05/04/2012 8:39 PM

I would like to pass on my condolences for the loss of Tom. May God bless and comfort your family. David C.

Report a Violation

Eric R.
Orem, UT     05/04/2012 5:22 PM

We wish we could be there with the family. It is at times like this that I am glad I know where I came from, why I am here on earth, and where my spirit goes after this life. Eric Royer

Report a Violation

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions