Tommy Rinker Fisher, 90, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2023, surrounded by family. He is leaving behind a legacy of a successful farm business, family and friends who all love him, and many happy memories in those who knew him.
Services will be held June 23, 2023, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines.
Born on February 19, 1933, in Grand Junction, Tom was the son of Eunice Rinker Fisher and C. Raymond Fisher, and had one older brother, Roger. Tom and his parents and brother worked hard milking cows, raising chickens, cattle and hogs, and working the fields. From early childhood his stutter made him less willing to engage where people expected him to talk, so at school he stayed inside during recess and studied. He graduated as valedictorian. Tom was a gifted trombone player who was recruited at age 16 to play in a professional dance band, performing most weekends. He attended Iowa State University in the farm operations program and played in the Cyclone marching band, sometimes hitchhiking from the football game with his trombone to catch up to the dance band gig.
Tom enlisted in the Army in 1952 during the Korean Conflict and served in Alaska doing meteorology to help protect America from a Soviet invasion. While in Alaska, he married Carole Peninger from Jefferson.
Upon his discharge, Tom and Carole returned to Grand Junction where he became a third-generation Iowa farmer. His maternal grandfather and his own father were both Iowa Master Farmers, so he had good role models and a firm foundation. Tom and Carole raised their four boys, along with cattle, hogs, alfalfa, soybeans, and corn near Beaver. Tom was a progressive farmer who enjoyed experimenting with new farming methods to increase production. He also served his community in various capacities, including serving on the Beaver school board, Farmers’ Mutual Insurance board, acting as a 4-H leader, and being an active member of two local churches.
After divorcing and retiring from farm work, Tom met Marcia Brooks, the love of his life, in Des Moines. They married in 1998. As a bonus, he added her three grown sons and their wives and children to his extended family. Tom and Marcia often traveled with friends, spent many glorious winters on Sanibel Island, his favorite place, and led an active social life in the Des Moines area, where the city folk were always eager to talk to the “pig farmer” in their group. They were both active in the Westminster Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir for many years. In fact, Tom was able to sing the Hallelujah Chorus with his bass section this past Easter.
Tom will be remembered as a kind and likable person who got along with everyone, and who sought to help people resolve their differences. His best friends in life were his brother Roger, who predeceased him, and Rex C. of Ogden. He loved an Old-fashioned, red wine, sweet corn, ice cream, and good friends.
Tom is survived by his wife Marcia; sons Steve (Patty) Fisher, Rod (Nancy) Fisher, Jim (Jean) Fisher, and Bob (Robin) Fisher; Marcia’s sons Mike (Lisa) Brooks, Jeff (AnnaCarrie) Brooks, and David Brooks; 18 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Sharon Fisher and his former wife, Carole Fisher.
Tom will ever remain in the hearts of good friends in the Des Moines area and at Deerfield Retirement Community, friends from Sanibel Island, and friends from his farming years in Ogden and Grand Junction. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family is assisted by Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, 515-224-0078.
