Tom Jarland passed away at his home on Sunday, February 28, 2021, with family at his side.
Tom was born on February 19, 1938, in Cresco, Iowa, to Joe and Eunice (Goldsworthy) Jarland. He was an only child. Sometimes we joked that Grandma and Grandpa could never have handled more than one like him.
Tom graduated from Harmony High School in 1955. After graduating he joined the Air Force. He served from 1955 to 1963 when he was honorably discharged in 1963.
July 2, 1961, he married Estherann Matson. They had four children.
He farmed for many years. He then owned his own semi and drove over the road. He knew every road and highway by name and to this day could give directions to almost anywhere you wanted to go. Before retiring he worked for Minnowa Construction in Harmony driving truck, hauling large equipment to their job sites.
He had a passion for his Percheron horses. Many Sunday afternoons were spent harnessing the team and going for a wagon ride with his children and grandchildren. He also loved showing off his team by participating in many local parades.
Tom and Estherann wintered in Apache Junction, Ariz., for the past 18 years. They recently sold their home in Arizona, returning to Harmony.
Tom always said what was on his mind, didn’t mince words, wasn’t afraid to let anyone know how he felt about something, was quick witted, was ALWAYS RIGHT, gave advice meaning he told you how it should be done, but also had a huge heart. He loved talking on the telephone to keep in touch with family and friends.
Tom is survived by his wife Estherann, daughter Joanne (James) Johnson, sons Scott (Kris) Jarland, Matt Jarland and daughter-in-law Teri Jarland; grandchildren Trinity (Emily) Johnson, Jeffrey (Janelle) Johnson, Joel (Courtney) Johnson, Tiffany (Eric) Johnson, Alex (Emma) Wheeler, Brandon (Ramsey) Wheeler, Connor Jarland, Kailee Jarland, Taylor (Brittney) Jarland, Jordan Jarland, Kristi (Jarod) Rindels, Billie Jo (Cory) Tweten, Jared Jarland, and Justin Jarland; 22 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Donnis Trouten and Nancy (Ronald) Scrabeck, brother-in-law Jack Matson, and several neices and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Brett Jarland; parents Joe and Eunice Jarland, mother and father-in-law Donald and Doris Matson, brother-in-law Ronald Trouten, and sister-in-law Toni Matson.
Public visitation will be held from 4- 7 p.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021, at Lindstrom Funeral Home in Harmony. A private family memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at the United Methodist Church in Harmony, with military honors and burial at State Line Cemetery in rural Harmony.
Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Barbara Fishbaugher says
I so enjoyed Tom’s wonderful posts on Facebook! Estherann was always Grandma and he told good Grandma stories. which gave the message of how much he cared for her! Thinking of Tom and his quick wit reminds me of his aunt, Edith Peterson. I worked with her for years and I could never one up her. And I can’t one up Tom.