Thomas Lee VanLaningham

Thomas Lee VanLaningham, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Castle Rock, Colorado, on September 26, 2024. Tom was born in Hastings, Nebraska on March 26, 1950 to Georgia (Spiker) and Donald VanLaningham. He graduated from Holstein High School in 1968. He married Vivian Pittz in November 1970, and they moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where they had two daughters, Lisa and Julie. After Tom and Vivian divorced, he moved to Hastings, Nebraska, to be near his mother and sister. He lived in the Hastings area for several years before relocating to Prescott Valley, Arizona, where he co-owned a photography business. 

In 1994, Tom started a new career working on high-power transmission lines with Irby Construction and later with TD Power and Mastec. He was a hard worker and enjoyed traveling across the U.S. for his job. He retired in 2018 and moved to Castle Rock, Colorado, to be closer to his daughter Julie and her family. 

Tom loved spending time boating, watching horse races, cheering on Nebraska football, and enjoying Old Western movies. He also looked forward to his daily social hours with friends at the Library Co. Bar and Kitchen. He had a way of making people laugh and his giant hugs and big smile will be missed by everyone who knew him. 

Tom is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Eric) Klutz of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Julie (David) Freie of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, as well as his five grandchildren: Erin, Emily, Alyssa, Joseph, and Abby. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, a brother, a niece, and a nephew. 

A private visitation for immediate family was held on Sunday, September 29, in Colorado. Tom will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 3:00 PM CST at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery in Holstein, Nebraska. A graveside service will be held, and friends and family are welcome to attend. A luncheon will follow at the Community Center in Roseland, Nebraska.

Condolences can be sent to Lisa or Julie. Flowers for the service can be ordered through Bob Sass Flowers in Hastings, NE. If you are ordering flowers, please place the order closer to the time of services in Nebraska.