Thomas Craig Dernlan, age 66, entered eternal life with his Savior on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024.
Tom was born in Akron, Ohio on March 24, 1957 to the late Dr. Robert and Norma (Roth) Dernlan. He graduated from Manitowoc Lutheran High School with the class of 1975. He attended Brown Institute of Radio/TV Broadcasting in Minneapolis, MN from 1975-1976. He later returned to school and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Silver Lake College in 1993, and finally earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Lakeland College in 1999.
Tom married the love of his life, Letha (Wood) on September 14, 1985 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Manitowoc. They were blessed with a daughter, Amy.
Tom started in broadcasting in 1977 and could be heard throughout his career on stations across Mississippi, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Tom took a break from broadcasting in the 1990s and taught middle school in the Sheboygan Area School District for 19 years. Upon retiring from teaching he returned to his true passion, radio. Tom was employed with Seehafer Broadcasting and could be heard on air as the radio personality “Tom Craig”. Tom was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed going to Green Bay Packer football games. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren.
Tom was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. He was a member of The Gideons for many years and served in various roles throughout his life in the churches he attended.
Tom is survived by Letha, his wife of 38 years, his daughter Amy (Mike) Allen of Manitowoc, and his grandchildren: Alaric, Charlotte, Nora, and Jack. Tom also is survived by his brothers Gary (Susie) Dernlan and Steve (Vicki) Dernlan, brother-in-law Lee (Judy) Wood, stepsister-in law Dawn Olson, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Cremation has occurred at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home Crematory Chapel. The family will greet relatives and friends at Faith Church, 2201 S. 42nd Street, Manitowoc on Saturday, June 8, 2024 starting at 9:30am, with a Memorial Service beginning at 11:30am. A meal will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Tom’s name to either Faith Church or Gideons International.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
