Cassells, Thomas ' Tom' Joseph

Thomas “Tom” Joseph Cassells, 68, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, at the Hiawatha Care Center. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, in the chapel at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Harlan Gillespie. Entombment following at St. Paul's Columbarium. Entrusted with the arrangements are Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Tom was born May 20, 1945, in Chicago, Ill. His parents were Joseph and Lena Cassells. He graduated from Harper High School, Chicago. He received a B.S. degree from Northern Illinois University, an M.S. from Northeastern Illinois University, and an Ed.S. from Western Illinois University. He met his bride, Carol Reigel, while the two were studying their undergraduate degrees at Northern Illinois. The two wed Aug. 2, 1969, in Western Springs, Ill.

Tom started the first five years of his career in education as a middle school social studies teacher and president of the teachers union in the Wilmette School District, Illinois. He then went on to being a counselor for two years in the Quincy School District, Illinois; principal in the Marquardt District, Illinois for four years; principal at the Tom Metcalf Laboratory School at Illinois State University for two years; curriculum director in Wheaton, Ill., for three years; associate superintendent in Rhinelander, Wis., for six years; director of curriculum in Cedar Rapids for a year; associate superintendent in Dodgeville, Wis., for seven years; and finally he retired as superintendent of the Poynette School District, Wis., after two years.

Tom was nurturing, innovative, honorable, and loving. He served as a board member of numerous community and educational organizations and was particularly focused on children at risk. He loved reading, sailing, camping, cars, story telling, and especially loved his family.

Tom is survived by his wife, Carol Cassells; two sons, Colin (Sara) of Houston, Texas and Shaun (Heidi and a grandchild due in June) of Austin, Texas.

His parents preceded Tom in death.

A special thank you to Dr. Richard Pope and all the dedicated people who work at Hiawatha Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Tom's family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published Jan. 4, 2014 in The Gazette