Nereim, Thomas M.

Thomas M. Nereim of Iowa City passed peacefully Monday, May 2, 2011, at Mercy Hospital Hospice. The family will greet friends Monday, May 9, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City. Family graveside services will be at Oakland Cemetery.

Tom was born in Story City, the son of Guy and Blanche (Mather) Nereim. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Tom married Kathryn Peterson on Sept. 19, 1943. Tom owned and operated Universal Climate Control, Inc., which he founded on July 1, 1961. For over 25 years he owned the University Athletic Club. Tom was very entrepreneurial and embraced many business opportunities throughout his life.

Tom was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the University of Iowa Presidents Club, an honorary member of the Iowa Letterman's Club, a Kinnick Society member of the I Club, Iowa City Elks, and also served on the National I Club Board. He was an avid supporter of Iowa athletics and Hancher Auditorium.

Tom is survived by his wife, Kathryn; and their two daughters and three grandchildren, Jillaine (Lawrence) Wonick and their son, Corey, of Iowa City and Jan (Bryan) Lawler of Iowa City and their daughters, Heather Lawler of Chicago and Ashley Lawler of Arlington, Va.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and his sister.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the University of Iowa Foundation, Mercy Hospital Foundation or Iowa City Hospice.

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