Tom Rathbun, 66, of Rapid City, SD, was welcomed to his eternal home on June 26, 2021, at home surrounded by his loved ones after a short, but aggressive battle with cancer.

Thomas John Rathbun was born on December 2, 1954 in Aberdeen, SD to John and Maxine (Berbos) Rathbun. Tom spent his younger years in Aberdeen graduating from Central High School in 1973 and Northern State in 1979 with a Bachelor's in Education. Tom met the love of his life, Susan Bruns, and the two were married June 21, 1980. They celebrated their 41 ^st anniversary the week of Tom's passing. Together they had three beautiful children, Nickolas, Kristin, and Sarah. They lived in several towns between ND, MN, and SD. A majority of that time spent in Pierre, SD before calling the Black Hills home.

Tom started out as a science teacher after college. He then went on to pursue his passion of sales. He sold cars for many years before becoming his own boss. This included owning Tom's Marine and Sports and Dakota Outlet in Pierre, SD. To put it simply, Tom could sell ice to an eskimo and was successful with all of his business endeavors.

What brought Tom the most joy was his family and friends. He never met a stranger. Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing, boating, cooking, hunting, and snowmobiling. Tom was well known for his gift of storytelling and making people laugh. Over the past 32 years, he made a lot of friends through their common association with Bill W. and Dr. Bob. Through these friendships he has helped mentor many people. One thing he mentioned before passing was how much he loved people, and by the words expressed from his family and friends, it's apparent how much people loved him. He will be missed deeply.

Tom is survived by his wife, Sue; his three children Nick, Kristin (Antwan) Evans, and Sarah (Cory) all of Rapid City, SD; six grandchildren, Nariyah, Harper, and Noah Rathbun and Amiyah, Avery, and Addyson Evans; his brother Mike (Mary) Rathbun of Sheridan, WY; mother-in-law Theresa Bruns of Edina, MN, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Maxine Rathbun, sister Mary Beth Rathbun, father-in-law Donald Bruns, brother-in-law Leo Grabowski, grandparents, and other extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Susan Rathbun as the family is still choosing how to honor Tom with memorials.

Visitation will be held on July 8, 2021 from 5-7 p.m., at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City, SD.

Celebration of Life service will be on July 9, 2021 at 11 a.m., at Fountain Springs Church at 2100 N Plaza Drive in Rapid City, SD.