Tom Witt

Thomas “Tom” Dean Witt passed away unexpectedly on January 22, 2026, in Lincoln, NE after suffering a heart attack while at home. Born March 21, 1947, in Alliance, NE to Woodrow “Woody” and Opal (Hardy) Witt, Tom grew up in Thedford with his younger brother Jim, graduating from Thomas County High School in 1965. During his cherished high school years, Tom played football and spent summers working on ranches, gaining many valuable life skills.

Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force on May 10, 1966, and served until March 10, 1970, separating as a Staff Sergeant (E-5). He trained in Liquid Fuels Maintenance and was stationed at George Air Force Base in California, Sembach Air Force Base in Germany, and Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, and Marksmanship Medal.

Before deploying to Germany, Tom proposed to Twyla Losh, and they were married on July 23, 1967, in Valentine, NE. Their first daughter, Tami Lynne, was born in Wiesbaden, Germany and at the conclusion of his service, Tom and Twyla returned to Nebraska where they lived on the Losh family ranch to help Twyla’s parents, Irvin and Vera Losh. Their second daughter, Trina Dawn, was born during this time and later they moved to Broken Bow, NE to own and manage a motel. Their third daughter, Tiffany Dianne, was born at home where Tom assisted in her delivery.

Over the years, Tom and Twyla managed motels in several states, and Tom served as a board member and president of the Nebraska Lodging Association. After moving to Malcolm, NE, Tom worked for Bickford Cottages and later for Orkin while Tiffany attended high school. Tom was deeply proud of his daughters and found his great joy in watching them participate in 4-H and sports.

Eventually, Tom and Twyla returned to live in Thedford, where Tom served on the Thomas County Visitors Committee and was a faithful member of Preserve the Sandhills, sharing his deep love and respect for the land and environment. Tom was a longtime member of the BPOE Elks and the Thedford American Legion Post 230.

Throughout his adulthood, Tom battled alcoholism, and in 2013 he was admitted for treatment to Valley Hope Center in O’Neill, NE. After successfully completing the program, he embraced sobriety and became a positive influence to many others. His commitment to recovery and sobriety made those surrounding him incredibly proud.

Tom is survived by his wife, Twyla; daughters and sons-in-law, Tami (Leonard) Ziglar of Ariton, AL, Trina (Jeff) Goeden of Raymond, NE, and Tiffany (Brad) Peterson of Gilbert, AZ; grandchildren Jake and Hannah Dively of Omaha, NE, Toni Dively and Taryn Ziglar of Ariton, AL, Lane and Toshia Ziglar of Brundidge AL, Cole Peterson of Concord, NC, and Korinn Peterson of Omaha, NE; great-grandchildren Ethan, Mason, Beau, and Lucas Dively, Oakley and Tucker Jo Kruse, and Tallulah and Van Ziglar; brother Jim (Terry) Witt of North Platte, NE; sister-in-law Merrial (Marion) Rhoades of Thedford; niece Holly (Cody) Hill and family of North Platte, NE; niece Becky Gerringer and family of Highlands Ranch, CO; nephew Tyler (Stephanie) Witt of Ruskin, FL; and many other cousins and friends.

Tom was a member of the Presbyterian Church and will be fondly remembered for his devotion to family, his proud service to his country, his courage in recovery, and his unwavering love for the Nebraska Sandhills.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 23, 2026, at the Thomas County Fairgrounds in Thedford, NE. Time to be announced. Memorials are suggested to Preserve the Sandhills, Thedford Fire and Rescue, American Legion #230, Valley Hope O’Neill, or Donor’s choice.