Vigen Memorial Home obituary - Thomas Alberts, 63, Keokuk

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Thomas "Tom" Alberts, Sr., 63, of Keokuk peacefully went home on Monday, April 19, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. 

      Born in Keokuk, IA on June 15, 1957, Tom was the son of Marvin “Sonny” Alberts Sr. and Mary Ellen Trugagos and younger brother to Marvin “Tit-Ta” Alberts Jr. 

     On September 22, 1979, he was united in marriage to Bernice Cannon. The following forty-one years were full of love, laughter, and complimenting each other in every way.   He will continue to patiently wait for Bernice from up above, even though she will be late! 

    Tom was a life-long Keokuk area resident, attending local schools and working for forty-four years at Keokuk Steel Castings. He was a great provider for the family he loved so dearly. Tom instilled the values of hard work and dedication in his children and anyone he met; always providing an example of friendship, community and kindness in his actions.

     Tom was a behind the scenes man, practical and always at his best when helping others be at their best. He was always there when you needed him, helping at the drop of a hat and usually with a gentle smile on his face. He enjoyed playing cards with his family and spoiling his numerous grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with his family all over the country and remembering to stop and see the sights of every "Welcome to" state sign they drove by. Tom was a rare gem of a man; someone who was truly kind and caring, protective but laid-back and sometimes even a little ornery. To those he felt a special kinship with, he assigned them adoring nicknames. He was affectionately known as "Tom the Toter" since he was always toting something around for someone else. 

     If life was the journey, and Heaven was the destination, Tom was the steadfast captain of his ship, face always to the horizon and not troubled by the waves. No fuss or praise was ever required. And now that his journey is over, his spirit will still guide all who knew him; clear and bright until we all can reach the shore. 

     In addition to being forever missed by his wife, Bernice, Tom was the loving father of three children, Pansy (Devin) Alberts Mallonee of Ottumwa, IA, Thomas “Tom”  (Teresa) Alberts, Jr. of Keokuk, IA, and Luke (Beth) Alberts of Oak Park, IL. He was the adoring grandfather to: Ciera, L-Dogg, Little Joe, Natty, Joshy, Nina, RiRi, LeeRoy, Baby J, and Deli. He was the great-grandfather to Butch, Daxton, Aves, Sage, L.T, and Kinzlee. Additionally, he is survived by his older brother, Marvin (Winnie) Alberts of Keokuk, his aunt, Shirley Benedict of Fairfield, IA, brothers-in-law, Harry (Josie) Cannon, Pat Cannon, KJ (Dena) Cannon, sister-in-law, Vickie (Chuck) Mann, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

     A celebration of life will be held on June 12, 2021 near Tom’s 64th birthday with details to be provided closer to the date. 

     The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

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