Thomas Casanova

Thomas Larry Casanova was born September 1st, 1942 in Watertown, SD to Paul and Frances Casanova. His family moved to Aberdeen, SD when he was a child and he lived there the majority of his life.

He joined the Army at 17 and served in Germany as a mechanic for 3 years.

He married Shirley Wilkie April 20th, 1964 in Aberdeen SD where they had two daughters that he loved dearly. He worked at Martin Edwards for many years as an accountant until they closed. Then he and Shirley moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1987 where he continued accountant work at Bell Dodge. After he retired he moved back to South Dakota. In 2021 he moved to Laurens, SC where he spent two years with his daughter Kristie and son-in-law Clayton until he moved to Sioux Falls, SD to live with his daughter Renata. In 2023 he moved to the Lennox assisted living Hilda House, which was his last place of residence.

He enjoyed spending time at the pool hall as a youth and continued to play throughout his life. He had great pleasure in teaching his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to play. He played in softball and bowling leagues in Aberdeen for many years. He loved to watch football, horseracing and many other sports. He also had a talent for drawing and gardening.

His love of animals was rooted deep in his heart throughout his life. At one point, he even had a pet bison named Tatanka and an elk at the Wiley Park Zoo in Aberdeen. He would visit them and take them apples. They showed their affection in return, trusting him enough to let him pet them. His last dog, Buddy, was his constant companion and held a very special place in his heart.

He is survived by his sister Carol Schaeffer (husband Elmer), his daughters Renata Casanova and Kristie Weltzin (husband Clayton). Two grandchildren, Amanda Weyer and Nathan Nelson. Four great grandchildren, Zoe, Ronald, Mattatha and Abijah. And many nieces and nephews.

Tom spent his last days in the loving care of the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD where he passed away peacefully on Saturday August 30th, 2025.

Tom requested no formal funeral or memorial. He wanted to be remembered as he was. Interment will take place at the VA Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD on a future date to be determined.