Thomas Clair "Tom" Mendler

Thomas Clair "Tom"â�,��**Mendler was born April 19, 1930, and was called to heaven Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, after suffering severe stroke Friday.

Tom was born in Lewistown, Pa., where he attended and graduated from grade school and high school.

Baseball was the love of his early life, both in high school (where he earned the nickname "Lefty") and for two years following high school when he played semi-pro baseball.

In 1952, Tom joined the U.S. Army, served in Korea, and was discharged in 1954.

He married Carol Streich in 1950 and they brought children Christi and Alan into their family. Two other infant children were deceased at birth. Tom and Carol later divorced in 1974. He also was married to Myra Zwingelberg from 1978 to 1982.

Tom worked for time in Pennsylvania and later went to Florida and worked for an airline. In 1964 his family then moved to Stockton, Calif., where he warehoused uniforms. Next, he worked as a warehouse supervisor for

JC Penney Co. for 10 years. Following that he worked at Martin-Brower Co. as a dispatcher for McDonald's products. He retired from this company in 1989.

Tom met Darlene (Reddick Hopper) in 1986 and they were married in 1988. They lived in Stockton until 1994 when they moved to Missoula. They celebrated their 25th anniversary in October.

Watching college football, especially the Penn State Nittany Lions, was a favorite pastime. He also enjoyed his coffee buddies, Mondays at the bowling alley, Tuesdays at Ruby's and Fridays at Rosauer's. He attended Grace United Methodist Church.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary; brothers Richard E. and Donald E. Mendler of Lewistown, Pa.; and son Alan A. Mendler of Stockton.

He is survived by his spouse, Darlene Krantz-Mendler; sister Katherine Casner (Harrisburg, Pa.; daughter Christi (Stockton); and grandchildren Ashley, Michael, Elizabeth, Sarah, Jeremy and Angelina. He also leaves behind five great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Tom's life will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Grace United Methodist Church, located at 10th and Garfield Street.

Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church or a personal choice.

Read Thomas Mendler's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.