Thomas (Tommy) Duane Meidinger, 62, Bismarck, passed away peacefully at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center on January 1, 2023.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Good Shephard Lutheran Church, Bismarck. Burial will take place at St. Andrews Lutheran Cemetery, Zeeland, ND in the spring of 2023. A livestream of Thomas's funeral will be available on the funeral homes website.

Tom was born to Aaron and Katherine (Raile) Meidinger on October 27, 1960.  The youngest of four children, Tom was born with Down Syndrome and accomplished much in his life. He grew up on the family farm near Zeeland, ND. His mother was a fierce advocate for special education, and Tom began his education in 1967 in Eureka, South Dakota because there was none available in North Dakota.  He graduated from Wishek High School in 1980 and shortly after, he moved to Jamestown to begin his Independent Living with assistance from Alpha Opportunities.  During this time, Tom lived on his own and worked at Hardee's, McDonald's and also delivered The Prairie Post and helped stock shelves at various stores in Jamestown.  In 2019, Tom moved to a group home in Jamestown and continued his care through Alpha. In August 2022, he moved to Missouri Slope in Bismarck.

Tom enjoyed participating in Special Olympics and won many medals and ribbons in bowling, track, basketball, and a variety of other sports.  Tom was a kind and gentle soul who truly loved people. He loved his country and always stood to salute the flag when it passed him, even in his later years when it was difficult for him to rise.  Tom enjoyed spending time and going shopping with family and friends.  More than anything, Tom loved his Lord.  He loved attending church services and often volunteered at his church.  He enjoyed reading from his Bible and was a collector of religious articles, pictures, and rosaries.

Tom is survived by his sister, Karen (Paul) Retzlaff, Aneta; Wes (Carol), Bismarck; and Vern (Susie), Zeeland, two nephews (Michael Retzlaff and John Meidinger), one niece (Katherine Carlisle) and two grandnieces (Kiras and Avery Carlisle).

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Katherine Meidinger.

The family would like to thank the staff at Alpha Opportunities for the wonderful care Tom was given during the 42 years he was with their program.  They assisted him to live independently so he could live, work, and play in his community. Also, thank you to the staff at Missouri Slope who provided comfort and care to him the last months of his life.  Tom was loved by many and will be missed by many.

Livestream Link:

https://fb.me/e/3dUBTzF7i