Thomas Michael Klietz

In loving memory of Thomas Michael Klietz, age 72, who departed this world on
December 7, 2023, in Casper, Wyoming, and is undoubtedly keeping the angels
entertained with his quick wit and infectious laughter.

Born in Hicksville, New York, on April 28, 1951, to Burton and Beatrice Klietz, Tom was a
man of many talents and a sense of humor that could light up a room faster than his old
Marine Corps flame thrower. After graduating from Columbia Heights High School in
1969, he bravely served as a flame thrower in Okinawa, Japan, proving that even in the
military, he had a fiery personality.

In a twist of fate and blind date magic, Tom met the love of his life, Wanda Ankeny, in
December 1971. They fell so hard that they decided to make it official and tied the knot
on May 18, 1974. Who says blind dates don't lead to a lifetime of happiness?
After his military service, Tom decided welding was his true calling. He became a
certified welder and spent nearly four decades welding things together – both in
construction and in his marriage. His welding skills were so good; he even managed to
keep the TV remote and the recliner permanently attached.

In retirement, Tom became a connoisseur of old westerns and crossword puzzles,
proving that you can teach an old dog new tricks (especially if those tricks involve
finding seven-letter words for "retirement" in a crossword). He cheered passionately for
his Minnesota sports teams, though we suspect that was just an excuse to shout at the
TV and confuse the neighbors.

Tom's true joy in life, however, came from watching his grandchildren in action. Whether
it was sports or dance, he was their biggest fan – armed with snacks and one-liners. His
love language was snacks; he never forgot anyone's favorite treats. His daughters and
granddaughters could always count on flowers for birthdays, even if they had to be
delivered to the dance studio on occasion. His legacy will live on in the well-stocked
treat aisles of Walmart.

Tom had a heart as big as his collection of favorite sayings and one-liners. He loved
dogs, babies, and his people, proving that his heart was big enough to accommodate a
furry friend or a tiny human on each arm.

Tom is survived by his wife, Wanda, daughter, Renee and husband Brian Hoffard,
daughter, Emily and husband Dan White, and son, Daniel and wife Brynn, and 11
grandchildren, Grant, Rylee, Juliet, Millie, Nolan, Clara, Collin, Noelle, Eleanor, Noah, and
Sammy, all of Casper, Wyoming. He is survived by two brothers, Fredrick and wife
Adelle, and Steven and wife Sheila, all of Minnesota, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom is preceded in death by his mother and father, three sisters, and two nephews.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 18, 2023, at
Boyd Baptist Church located at 1930 Boyd Ave. The family kindly asks that, in honor of
Tom, you attend the service wearing flannel and blue jeans. Let's celebrate a life well lived
and a wardrobe well-loved.