Thomas Woolridge

Thomas Woolridge

1950 – 2026

IDA GROVE - Thomas Lynn Woolridge, 76, of Ida Grove, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 30, 2026.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove. Rev. Luann Benge will officiate.

A Visitation will be held prior to the service from 4-6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove.

The Christensen–Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Thomas Lynn “Tom” Woolridge was born on Jan. 28, 1950, in Storm Lake, to Harold and Luella Woolridge.

Tom graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1968 and attended Westmar College in Le Mars, for one year, where he studied mechanics. He then proudly served in the Army National Guard from 1970 to 1977. He was currently a member of the McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion where he enjoyed the camaraderie of the fellow veterans.

Tom married Brooke Westphal on June 17, 1972. Together, they raised two daughters, Nikki and Mandy, and his stepson Darby. They shared 24 years of marriage before eventually divorcing. Tom didn’t remarry.

Following his military service, Tom opened and operated the DX Station in Odebolt, for 10 years. He eventually moved back home to the family acreage, where he farmed. Throughout the years, he worked at several places, including Midwest and VT Industries. Retirement didn’t keep Tom sitting still for long, and he later returned to work part-time at Nutrien Ag Solutions and enjoyed helping out whenever he could.

Tom had a lifelong passion for auto mechanics and spent countless hours rebuilding cars, tinkering with engines, and bringing old vehicles back to life. If something had an engine, Tom was likely interested in it.

Tom’s family was the center of his life, and he leaves behind many memories, laughter, and stories that will be shared for years to come.

He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Nikki (Brad) Dirkschneider of North Bend, NE and Mandy (Todd) Young of Sioux City; stepson, Darby Westphal of Ida Grove; seven grandchildren, Gage Nepper, Noah, Mason, and Brady Dirkschneider, Jaxon Young, Quinn (Aubrey) Westphal, and Haley (Dustin) Schmidt; and his three great-grandchildren, Paxton Westphal, Teegan and Libee Schmidt.

He is also survived by his brother, Ronald (Judy) Woolridge of Newell; sisters, Jean Heiner of Harlingen, TX and Jane Ternus of Council Bluffs; along with extended family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents Harold and Luella Woolridge and his brother-in-law Jack Heiner II.