Broomfield, CO - Thomas R. Tjarks, passed away on June 6, 2026. He was born June 16, 1945 to George Leon and Leona (Skrovig) Tjarks and attended Hubbard Community School Kindergarten through High School, graduating in 1963. While in High School, Tom participated

in many activities, including football, baseball, vocal music and band. He then attended Iowa State University to study electrical engineering. On June 6, 1966 Tom entered the Navy at the Great Lakes Naval Station, after which he was stationed at NAS Pensacola in Fl. In 1968 he transferred to the carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt where he remained until his discharge in 1970. After a short visit with family in Iowa, Tom relocated to Colorado where he worked for the next 30 years for the Coors Brewing Company, retiring as a Utilities Supervisor in 2000.

Tom married Cheri Hansen at the Salem United Methodist Church in Hubbard on August 21, 1966. They were blessed with 2 sons, David and Craig, and 59+ years together. Many interests entered Tom's life including woodworking and a love of clowning as Buttons the Clown. After retirement he found yet another avenue for his love of jokes and storytelling as a member of the Broomfield Spellbinders going to schools, nursing homes and other venues to pass along the art of storytelling. He was also a member of the Hubbard American Legion, the Arvada Elks, enjoyed playing cribbage and was very proud of his military service. Tom was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease in 1970 but was able to spend several more years doing the things he loved and his grandchildren.

Tom passed on June 6, 2026 and will be interred in Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver CO on August 21, 2026. A Celebration of Life is being planned for August 22, 2026 in Broomfield, CO. Tom is survived by his wife, Cheri; his 2 sons, David (Chris) of Broomfield, CO and Craig of Colorado Springs; 3 grandchildren Sam (Charley) of Goose Creek, SC, Caitlyn and Jeanne both of Portland, OR; 2 sisters, Mary Kirkdorffer of Eldora, IA and Connie (Roger) Zoske of Hubbard, IA. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Nancy and her husband Dean Kusserow and his brother-in-law Marlin Kirkdorffer.

Tom was respected and loved by friends, family and neighbors. His love of stories will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

Parkinson Association of the Rockies www.parkinsonrockies.org

Davis Phinney Foundation www.davisphinneyfoundation.org

Parkinsons Foundation www.parkinson.org