PLAIN VIEW HERITAGE FARM,
RURAL BRYANT, SD, PRESENTS:
"A STADEM FAMILY TRIBUTE TO
OUR TOM HARRINGTON"
A WORD FROM THE RANGENS
TOM--HUSBAND, BROTHER, BROTHER-IN-LAW,
UNCLE, GREAT UNCLE AND FRIEND WAS A "RAINBOW OF A
MAN"...COLORFUL, QUIET, SUNNY AND DRAMATIC!
He was
unusual, like a rainbow...(rainbows don't happen often
enough). We are thankful that we were privileged to know
this particular "rainbow" who gave birth to many memories
and living realities!
Tom had a radiant smile, sparkling eyes, and
a terrific sense of humor. His ability to remember
virtually everything is legendary in our
family.
Tom had a good reputation as a Christian.
He was blameless in the eyes of those in the Christian
community. There were no specific flaws in his life that
would bring reproach to the cause of Christ. Tom was
mature. He maintained pure motives, evidencing compassion
and conern for people and especially the children. Tom
touched the lives of young and old and all those in
between.
Tom had a gentleness and tenderness of
spirit that drew people to him, whether at his work or
leisure time. Tom had the heart of a giant, tucked in with
warmth and love!
We remember with thanksgiving, Tom's and
Ruthie's sacrificial concern in maintaining and improving
the "family home and grounds" [of Plain View Farm] and for the annual welcome to the Stadem related reunion!
The Lord gave Tom a full cup of life, a
cup of happiness, of sorrow, of purpose, of challenge, and
along with these, always His peace that the world could not
take away. Tom had a positive attitude for ministry, in
his home, at work as a Custom's officer, in the church, at
the Salvation Army, prison visitation, and in many avenues
in the community. Many a city lot in Sherwood, ND [Tom and
Ruthie Stadem-Harrington's community] took on a new
face-lift with his steadfast pursuit of such an
undertaking.
For Ruthie, the absence of Tom is deeply
felt. The whole relationship misses Tom! We thank God for
his testimony, "It's okay, it's all taken care of." What
more can any of us say? Jesus has done it all. We do not
believe that God blunders in sending death. He makes no
mistake. God is holy, loving and compassionate. He is a
God of justice. We do not look upon death as punishment.
We do not understand all His ways, but we do accept
them.
--With our hearts turned toward "Home", Joe
& Estelle Stadem-Rangen
A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF AN UNCOMMON
GENTLEMAN
Thomas C. Harrington was born Oct. 15, 1930, in
Langdon to Chadburn and Lillian Harrington and died Aug. 8,
1994 at age 63. He was raised on the family farm near Loma
where he graduated from the Loma Public School and later
from high school by correspondence courses.
He then farmed
his parents' and grandparents' farm until 1957. He then
was deputy sheriff of Cavalier County for eight years. He
started his career with U.S. Customs Aug. 1, 1966, at the
port of entry near Noyes, Minn. He later was stationed at
ports near Dunseth, Pinecreek Minn., and Roseau, Minn. He
had been stationed at the Sherwood Port of Entry since
December 1967.
He married Ruth Stadem June 23, 1968, in
DeSmet, SD. [This was one marriage made in heaven!--Ed.] They had lived in the Sherwood community
since.
His interest in Sherwood included beautifying a
number of Sherwood city lots.
He was treasurer of the
Bible Crusaders of North Dakota and had assisted his wife
with Salvation Army mission work in the Ward County Jail.
He was past member of the Langdon Presbyterian Church and
had served as elder.
--Information taken from an
Obituary, Sherwood, North Dakota
A UNIQUE AND SHINING
LEGACY
Tom and Ruth Stadem-Harrington bought the
seven remaining acres of Plain View Farm and the old house
and restored the house and the grounds, all at their own
expense, so that it could be used for family reunions.
Tom
spent countless hours with Ruth on this major project which
was dear to his heart and dear to his wife's heart.
They
put an attractive metal siding on the house that will
preserve the structure during the long winter months for
years to come.
Tom mowed the grass and made a beautiful
park out of the several acres of house and barn yard.
Trees were trimmed. Outbuildings were fixed. Plumbing
indoors was put in. Painting was done. A porch was built
at the back.
Who can list all the things that Tom
contributed to the Old Stadem Home Place? It was a great
labor of love, and though he left the family circle
suddenly with an unexpected "homegoing," he left behind a
most remarkable legacy, Plain View Farm built up and
painted and given such a parklike setting within its
bordering lilac beds to the point where it is a beauty and
a joy to behold.
His life too is such a beauty and a joy
to behold, cherish, and remember. Tom lived for others and
for his Lord Jesus Christ, and, a man of few words, chose
to "walk his talk."
WE THANK YOU, TOM!
What we all owe back to you cannot be
calculated. We cannot express our full gratitude for you
and what you did for all of us, to enrich our lives with
not only Plain View Farm restored to life but with your
example of a true Christian man that will continue to shine
brightly like the rainbow the Rangens have attributed to
your life. Your earthly garment was buried at Union
Cemetery in rural Sherwood, but we think we know where you
left your heart--Editors.
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Candid Questions for Tom Harrington