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Thomas "Tom" C. H. Silbaugh - Father's Day - 2016 - In Memoriam

  Tom Silbaugh 1974 

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When you were born on a farm near Ortonville in Bigstone County, Minnesota 5 June 1907, you were the 13th child of Enoch A. Silbaugh and Mollie Lillian Moore. Obviously being the 13th child was not an unlucky event.

Dad, you passed away very unexpectedly in 1988 while June and I were in Sacramento, CA to attend a forensic science conference. It was late in the day on July 3rd and shortly after June and I had checked into our hotel at the Hyatt Regency that we received the sad news of your passing. We immediately booked the first return flight home.

Although you had struggled with Emphysema for several years, it was an unexpected heart attack that took you away. You were age 81 at the time of your passing. It was just the day before that you had checked into the Barron Memorial Medical Center.

Although you were my mother Ellen’s third husband, you were probably her greatest blessing!

My natural father Royce "Mike" Candler married my mother in September of 1927 and deserted my mother and me shortly after my birth  in June 1928. I never met my natural father.

My first step father, Percy Berg married my mother when I was age 4. Percy was an alcoholic who drank up what little money the family had and died an early death from a cancer of the throat and stomache. It was while Percy Berg was at the Wisconsin General Hospital in Madison that he made your acquaintance. It was also through this encounter that you met my mother Ellen. You assisted Percy in keeping Mother updated on Percy’s health status. Percy was in and out of the Madison General Hospital in his cancer struggle during the several months preceding and ending with his death on 16 December 1942.

I was age 14 and a freshman in high school at the time of Percy's death. The nation was in the midst of WWII as the Pearl Harbor attack had just taken place the December a year prior while I was in the middle of my 8th grade class at the little country grade school I attended. Because of Percy’s heavy drinking and smoking problems and his resulting sickness, my mother and I were left to run the small 20 acre dairy farm alone.

At my mother’s invitation, following your offer of help, you arrived in Rice Lake in early 1943. At the time you had very little by way of earthly possessions, no car, and little cash but with a big heart and lots of enthusiasm. You had to hitch a ride to our farm on the river road south of Rice Lake. A friendly milk hauler dropped you off at our driveway during a snow storm. I remember watching you wade through the drifts in the driveway as you approached the house with a big smile on your face. You ended up with the small upstairs bedroom next to mine for your first year in our home. In addition to running the small farm you quickly utilized a special talent for sales. For a time you also sold electric fencers and Mason Shoes to the local farmers.

In June of 1945, you married my mother. Your successful sales efforts later evolved into the sale of Packard’s, Jeeps and General Motors cars. You were of the “Early to Bed and Early to Rise” mentality. What you lacked in education you more than made up for by your enthusiasm, good nature and hard work.

You later organized, created and operated a small country general store on a county road corner near Arland called "Wayside Grocery". The commercial post WWII Jeeps were also optionally equipped with "power takeoff's" for farm use...you sold so many to the local farmers that the corner became known as "Jeep-Town".

For the first time I had a father who set a good example! You were a hard worker with an even tempered disposition...I do not ever recall seeing you display periods of anger or resort to crude language...your countenance was most always one of a smile.

You also displayed a knack for administrative ability and later served as Office Manager in Rice Lake for the Mathison Tire Co. and Later Office Manager at the Rice Lake Cash Register and Typewriter Co. Your deteriorating health required you take a retirement in 1982 at age 75.

You were able to give my mother the good life that she so richly deserved but had never before enjoyed, including a home on a lake for 25 of the over 43 years you two were together. Dad, you and mother also enjoyed a very active and enjoyable social life together with your many friends until the Lord called you home in 1988.

Dad, I must thank you for introducing me to June Rolstad when I was home on leave from the Army in May of 1951. I guess you thought I needed help in finding my life's partner...after all you had watched as I received two "Dear John" letters in the previous years of my military service!  As a result of this meeting, June and I went on to have a life long 56 year relationship as husband and wife. June became the love and light of my life and may well have also been the greatest blessing of my life! You and God must have teamed up on arranging that meeting for June and I.

The grand children also have pleasant memories of the part you played in their lives.

Susan remembers: “I have so many good memories of Grandpa Tom. He was a very important part of my life and went out of his way to spend time with us children…one  of my earliest memories was him waking me up around 4:30 in the morning (Lake Home) so we could head out to the Diner for early morning breakfast. He always “showed me off” to his friends at the diner and when we got back to the house, everyone else was just getting up, he would say “Good Afternoon” to them. We always laughed as we had been awake for hours!”

Julie remembers: “I remember Grandpa Tom had fishing poles for all of us kids at their lake home. I remember mine was light yellow. I really looked forward to going fishing with him. I also remember when he came to the Cities to visit; he would take me over to Snyder’s for a treat. That was when they used to have restaurant booths. He would also buy us cap guns at Snyder’s around the 4th of July. .

Dan remembers: I remember Grandpa Tom’s quiet demeanor and his steady hand on the outboard motor when he would take us for boat rides in the small bay in front of their home on Prairie Lake…and for longer excursions out beyond the Bay. I do know we caught lots of Sunfish and Crappies…that Grandpa Tom “let” us keep and clean even the smallest of them as best we could… he probably had to redo them so they were fit for our lunch.”

David who is now with you remembers: The first time David ever fished with a casting rod and reel was with Grandpa Tom…”I was quite amazed to watch him.  Before he showed me how, I had always fished with a cane pole. I remember being out on his boat on Prairie Lake casting for Northern Pike. He caught one. I learned to cast and ended up with a lifelong hobby that I have always enjoyed.”

Thank You Father – Thank You Grandpa – We all love you and miss you!

Stan and the Grandchildren

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Note: Although my father Tom was not personally a victim of Alzheimer's, he never-the-less had close family members that were victim's of this terrible diseases...two of the most important people  in his life died as victims of this disease. Father Tom's wife Ellen and his daughter in law June (My mother and my wife) died after losing their battle and struggle with this disease that always comes up the winner.

My mother Ellen died October 21st, 2007 and my wife June died October 23rd, 2008. Please visit June's story as found on this website on the top navigation strip on the drop down menus found under the labels of "June's Life" and "June and Alzheimer's". Click the below link for her Alzheimer's story...

 

June K. Berg, A Journey Through Alzheimer’s” 

 

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Publication History

1. This "In Memoriam" story of my step-father Thomas "Tom" Silbaugh was first published in the weekly edition of the Barron News-Shield on Wednesday June 13th, 2012, at Barron, Wisconsin for Father's Day Sunday June 17th, 2012.

2.  This "In Memoriam" story was republished for Father's Day 2013 in the Barron News-Shield on Wednesday, June 12th, 2013 for Father's Day Sunday June 16th, 2013.

3.  This "In Memoriam" story was republished (slightly revised) for Father's Day 2014 in the Barron News-Shield on Wednesday June 11th, 2014 for Father's Day Sunday June 15th, 2014.

4.  This "In Memoriam" story was republished (slightly revised) for Father's Day 2015 in the Barron News-Shield, Barron, Wisconsin, June 2015.

5.  This "In Memoriam" story was republished (slightly revised) for Father's Day 2016 in the Barron News-Shield, Barron, Wisconsin, on Wednesday June 22nd, 2016.

 

 

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It was my father Tom who first introduced me to June K. Rolstad in the spring of 1951 when I was home on Leave from the Army Counter Intelligence Corp. I am forever indebted to my father for this introduction...June became the love of my life and my wife for 56 years before Alzheimer's took her away from me...I have often wondered if our meeting arranged by my father Tom could have been a "Divine Appointment"...for this complete story, please follow the below link:

"June and Stan - Divine Appointment or Chance Encounter?"

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Memorial Stained Glass Window

In honor of my stepfather Tom, who was truly the first real father I ever had, a stained glass window has been dedicated to him in the Holy Spirit Chapel at the Benedictine Health Care Center of Innsbruck, New Brighton, Minnesota…

Other windows in this chapel have been dedicated to June (who was a resident at the Benedictine until she passed on as a victim of Alzheimer’s), to my mother Ellen, our son David and to June’s mother and father Haldis and Henry Rolstad.

Father Tom’s window is the top window of the group of three windows designated by the artist as the “Fruits of the Spirit Window.”…all three windows were dedicated on July 14, 2010.

 Tom Silbaugh Window

 The dedication plate for this window is shown below:

  T. Silbaugh Dedication Plate

 

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Reader’s Comments

Catherine Jones-Hatcher - Richmond, Virginia - (15 June 2012): "Well... as usual. you have done a fine job in giving us all a peak into the life of this extraordinary man, who had such a profound impact on your life. I enjoyed reading about Grandpa Tom. My Uncle Charlie used to work in the Packard production plant, and likely had a hand in manufacturing the same cars that your dad sold. Small world, huh?  Stan... you bring those you loved to life with your writings. I feel as if I have met Tom now, and what a treat that has been...(6 August 2014):" He would be very touched by this symbol of your love and gratitude! I am so glad your mother had the good sense to find and marry TOM! The window and dedication plaque are beautiful!"

Robin Stewart Stone –  Charlotte,North Carolina - (16 June 2012): “Wonderful story, Stan! Enjoyed reading all about him. Sorry it took a third try to get it right. He was a lucky 13. You met June through him. I'd say that's as lucky as you get.”

Marilyn Singer –Bothell,Washington - (16 June 2012): “This is such a poignant testimony of how one can overcome their circumstances. God truly blessed you and your mother with Tom, not only in providing a good husband and father, but to introduce you to your soul mate. Thank you for sharing, Stan.”

Richard Criscione  - Cliffside Park, New Jersey - (15 June 2013): "Quite beautiful Stan , and it explains your appreciation for the goodness of your loved ones . I too, lost my Dad at an early age, and wish , I had a "Tom Silbaugh"  in my life, after he passed ."

Buddy Bear  - Dublin, Ireland - (15 June 2013): "Stanton what a good kind man your father was. It's years and years since I heard that saying Early to Bed, Early to Rise makes a man, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. My Granny Mary Nolan use to say this to me. A Beautiful Tribute to Thomas C.H. Silbaugh."

Linda Casey-Overholt  - Coshocton, Ohio - (15 June 2013): "What a lovely tribute to your great dad, Stan!!"

Brenda Avadian  - Pearblossom, California - (14 June 2014): "What a touching tribute to your dad...he was your Step Dad...because when others gave up, he "stepped up" to be the father you deserved. I thank Wanda Walls for coming up with that idea--of a step dad "stepping up."

Pixi St. Clair - Tarnaquilla, Victoria, Australia - (14 June 2014): "Wonderful tribute."

Gwen Bush - Beaver Creek, Oregon - (14 June 2014): "I wish I had a father that I would have liked to have remembered that it was Father's Day for, be very thankful that you did. I was very fortunate enough to marry a man that has been a wonderful husband for 33 yrs and father to our 2 daughters that are still alive. There is so much to be thankful for.As I am sure that your children are so thankful that they had you as their father. Happy Father's Day to you too."

Connie Lowers O'Brien- Birchwood, Tennessee - (14 June 2014): "Stanton, you have a beautiful family so much to be proud of!"

Karen Butcher Rexroad - Ohio - (14 June 2014):"Happy Father's Day, Stan!! I enjoy all your loving memories!!! I have many as well, I just don't have that talent for writing... so mine will simply remain in my heart!! Dad died in 1992... still seems like yesterday!! He and mom taught me how to care and love amongst so many things that make me who I am! I so miss and love my dad! I was not finished learning!!!! The same goes for my mama with dementia, but I do see glimpses of the love and caring and sweet smirk from time to time!! They had the kind of strong love and respect for each other that I feel you and June had!!! You don't see that kind of love very often!! Blessings!!"

Mimi Taylor Nataro - Hicksville, New York - (15 June 2014):"Happy Father's day STAN! thanks for posting such a lovely tribute to your Dad."

Emy Yokoyama De Almeida - Toronto, Ontario, Canada - (15 June 2014): "Amazing father, both you and Thomas! Happy fathers day Stan."

Sharon Kay Carey - Grand Terrace, California - (20 June 2015): "Happy Father's Day, Stan! May God bless you in a special way this year. Thank you for the touching story. So glad God brought Tom into your life!"

Janet Ashenden - Derby, United Kingdom - (21 June 2015): "Thank you again Stanton for something beautiful to read to start my day. Yes it is father's day today, but I will be unable to see my dear dad today, I was stopped from doing so by my mother 4 years ago, around the same time that he was diagnosed with dementia. I have sent a card, which I hope he will be given. I did shed a tear on my birthday on Friday when I didn't get a birthday card from them for the fourth year, he would never have missed sending me one."

Helen Webster - Barnsley, United Kingdom - (21 June 2015): "I find your writing so interesting to read. Thank you and have a great day today."

Linda Blanchard - Torquay, United Kingdom - (21 June 2015): "You write from your heart it often moves me to a little tear drop please write a book I love your stories & they way in which you write & record your thoughts are so moving I wish I had met a man like you in my life to care & comfort me when the need is required my husband has dementia mild as yet but I now have to be a very strong person for us both my health isn't good I'm left sided paralysed after a Brain Operation in 2008 but now I have another recent bleed small at the moment waiting 2nd CT brain scan results hopefully its no larger pray it will by now be absorbed by the Brain meantime I have to keep going my memory not good either its so much pressure as I'm not in good health myself its a double whammy you have been there & know what its like being a carer"

Clarie A. Caliana - London, United Kingdom  - (21 June 2015):"Very 'moving'. My Dad died a long time ago - suddenly - back in 1994. At least my parents did stay together - sadly not quite so common these days. Mother went into a Nursing Home yesterday! So far, so good! Going up there (north of UK) next w'end! Hope you have had nice day."

Louise Scanlon  - Ebbw Vale, Wales - (21 June 2015): "What a beautiful man, thank God for men like him and my Father my dad I am lucky to say was a Father in the real sense if the word and would later become my best friend him and mum, and sadly other than two other men and one of those I'd also dead I still haven't been able to meet a man that can show the same love and support he did."

Marla Wise Miller - Bremen, Indiana - (22 June 2015): "He looks kinda like my dad! He tends to wear dark green work pants and shirts a lot, even though he has been retired for years."

 

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June's Passing

June 1994

After an almost 12 year struggle with Alzheimer's, God took an exhausted June to her heavenly home...June's funeral notice as published in the Minneapolis Star in October 2008 can be seen on this website under the "In Memoriam" label - or Click on:

"June K. (Rolstad) Berg - In Memoriam"

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Mother Ellen's Passing 

Mother Ellen

For the story of my mother Ellen Silbaugh's life before she passed away from Alzheimer's in October 2007, please follow the below link for her funeral notice:

 

"Ellen F. (Nedland) Silbaugh - In Memoriam"

 

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