SUPERIOR, COLORADO- Tom Kearns, 73, Superior, Colorado, died March 4, 2012 at the Peaks Care Center of Alzheimer's and Parkinsons after a long illness. Tom was born February 1, 1939 in Le Mars, IA, to John and Monica Kearns. He grew up in Huron, South Dakota and graduated from Huron High School in 1957. He attended the University of South Dakota from 1957-1962 where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and graduated with a degree in Journalism. Tom was married to Sandra Goodell on August 31, 1962, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rapid City. Tom and Sandy decided to start a family and a son, Scott, was born in 1964 and a daughter, Pamela, was born in 1967. Tom's radio career began in his home town of Huron where he worked for the local radio station, KIJV, during his high school years doing sports play by play. While attending the University of South Dakota, Tom continued to do play by play for KIJV and the University Of South Dakota Radio Station. While at the University, he became friends with Tom Brokaw. After graduation, Tom worked at Western Life Insurance in the 1960s and did part time radio work at KRSD in Rapid City. Tom and Sandy moved to Pierre in 1971 where Tom got back into radio working for KCCR. Tom and Sandy moved to Yankton in July of 1973 where Tom became General Manager of KYNT. He held that position for 5 years, after which he and his friend Tom Brokaw formed Tom Tom Communications and purchased KTOQ 1340 AM in Rapid City. Tom and Sandy moved to Rapid City in August of 1978 to own and run KTOQ. In the early 1990s, Tom Tom Communications put KIQK 104 FM on the air in Rapid City. In 1982, Tom was named South Dakota Broadcaster of the Year by the South Dakota Broadcasters Association. In 1995, Tom was honored by the Black Hills Chapter of the American Advertising Federation with the prestigious Silver Medal Award. Tom was a Dale Carnegie instructor for many years, teaching the Dale Carnegie Human Relations Course, Sales Course and Management Course. In 1997, Tom retired when Brokaw purchased his half of the company so that Tom could devote his time to Sandy and her battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. Sandy lost her battle with Lou Gehrig's disease in September of 1998. Tom met Linda Christensen of Superior, Colorado, and they were married September 2, 2000. Tom moved to Superior, Colorado, where Linda continued her career with Sisley and Tom retired. Tom's passion outside of work and family was golf. He also enjoyed pheasant hunting, traveling, and playing cards with friends. Tom is survived by his wife Linda Christensen Kearns (Superior, CO); two children, John Scott Kearns (Corpus Christi, TX), Pamela Kearns Osborn (Olathe, KS); three stepchildren, Cindy Christensen Davis (Boulder, CO), Julie Christensen Cyr (Louisville, CO), Todd Christensen (Oxford, England); two sisters Mary Kay Costain (Champlin, MN), Joan King (Watertown, SD); five grandchildren, John Wayne Kearns (Rapid City, SD), Macaela Kearns (Corpus Christie, TX), Zachary Kearns (Corpus Christie, TX), Megan Osborn (Olathe, KS), Matthew Osborn (Olathe, KS); three step grandchildren, Olivia Davis (Boulder, CO), Nicole Cyr (Louisville, CO), Tyler Cyr (Louisville, CO), and a great granddaughter due in July (Rapid City, SD) Tom was preceded in death by: John Richard Kearns (father), Monica Kearns (mother) and Sandra Kearns (wife). Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2012, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Rapid City with Rev. Tyler Dennis presiding. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City. A memorial has been established to the Compassionate Hospice and Palliative Care, 11935 Quay Street, Broomfield, CO, 80020.