Thomas William Fluckiger passed away on Wednesday, June 22, following a hard-fought battle with lung cancer. Tom was born to Jack T. and Denna Lee Fluckiger on October 20, 1959 where he had an idealistic childhood in Turnerville, WY, hunting and hiking the mountains and helping his father on the farm.
Tom served in the Louisville Kentucky Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and returned to attended Utah State off and on. In 1988 he moved to Texas where he eventually began his career in law enforcement with the University of Texas at San Antonio Campus. At the same time, he completed his Bachelors in History.
He met and married his wife Susie in 1989. After living a few years in San Antonio, they bought three acres in Pipe Creek, just 15 miles outside San Antonio and attended the Boerne Ward. Five years into their marriage they welcomed daughter Erin Jane.
After 26 years with the police department, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He chose to retire as a Sargent to return to the peace and comfort of the mountains in Star Valley.
Tom spent the last six years as a substitute teacher. He especially liked being with the kids of Thayne Elementary where he was known as Mr. Tom, and with the students at Swift Creek High School. Serving in a range of callings his whole life, his latest calling was as an ordinance worker in the Star Valley Temple.
Tom was great at telling stories, jokes and giving history lessons. He was quick witted, quick with a smile, gentle and humble. He fought cancer for a year when it returned, and he was not ready to go. He died too young at the age of 62.
Preceded in death were his father Jack Fluckiger (2003) and sister Mary Jane (1971). Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Susie, daughter Erin (Brady Cram), mother Denna Lee Fluckiger, brother Chris Fluckiger (Lynda) of Evanston, sister Vicky (Scott Crager) of Wisconsin, sister Lori (Gerald Robison) of Riverton, numerous nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces.
The service will be held at the Bedford Chapel Saturday July 2 at 11:00a.m. with visitation that morning from 9:00 to 10:45. Interment will follow at the Bedford Cemetery.