Neil Thomas "Tom" Waldbjorn

Neil Thomas “Tom” Waldbjorn 1948-2025 Tom was the cherished son of Melba and Gordon Waldbjorn, lived in the Wenatchee Valley his entire life, graduated from Wenatchee High School with the class of 1967. He is alumni of Wenatchee Valley College, Western Washington University and Central Washington University. Tom played center for WHS football and continued with that position at WVC. He was a lifelong fan of high school ball, college ball and NFL teams. Each of his sons started youth football at 8 years old with Tom helping coaches for years. In addition to football, Tom was a passionate skier starting with Mighty Mites to racing with family down the slopes to virtual skiing the last years. Tom was also a hunter and fisherman all his life in both the US and Canada. Many hours were spent on the boat all over Washington. Tom was a lifelong member of the Wenatchee First United Methodist Church, The Lake Chelan Yacht Club, and an Elk (BPOE) for many years. Tom loved to travel especially to Denmark to see relatives. He had great stories of travels in Europe with friends, of time with many friends over the backs of boats, of stomping through the woods, of time with family and of playing with friends. He bought and operated his Father’s Valley Paint Company changing the name to Waldbjorn Painting after college in the 1970’s. He worked at painting and pollen collecting all over Washington state until 2023. Tom met and married his wife Jonette in 1981. Together for 43 years, they had two sons, Boet and Neil, and a lot of fun, creating countless memories. A passionate cook since learning at Pioneer Junior High School, the family kitchen was truly his domain. He is survived by his wife, Jonette, who remains at home; his two sons: Boet of Seattle and Neil (Jena) of Austin, Texas; his sisters: Joanie Rung and Karen Jones (Brian); his step sisters: Sue Blumenshein and Nancy Jones; his sister-in-laws: Anne Haley (Jim Shepherd), Dr. Barbara Haley (Les Friedman), Marilyn Crosetto, plus many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Melba, and step-mother, June. A private service will be at a future date. Tom would encourage everyone to “Say a prayer of gratitude, hug your kids and hold your loved ones close.”

Tributes

Neil Thomas "Tom" Waldbjorn

November 20, 1948 - January 8, 2025