Thomas M "Tom" Alwine

Thomas M. "Tom" Alwine, 67, of Bloomington passed away Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the IU Health Bloomington Hospital. If you didn't know Tom Alwine, you missed meeting the nicest man in the world. Tom embraced everything with enthusiasm and the curiosity of a child. If he was your friend, co-worker or even a stranger, you never had to worry that he wouldn't have your back. A track and cross country runner in high school and college and later a high school coach gave him a competitive spirit and drive. He wanted to run the last race against multiple myeloma but the cancer won and we lost him on March 7th. Tom spent his twenties in Florida where he became a surfer and lived on a sailboat. The love of sailing continued after moving to Bloomington and marrying the first girl he ever kissed in the 6th grade, Evelyn Messmacher. For many years they enjoyed having a sailboat at the Lake Monroe Sailing Association where he taught his son, Tommy, to love sailing as well. His son was the most precious gift in his life. Tom worked at GE for 25 years to support his family and made many friends during the years. He took up golf and he and Evelyn enjoyed the GE golf scrambles and later after retirement, golf outings were some of his and Evelyn's most precious time together. Never stop learning was his motto and his interests ranged from photography, learning to brew beer (which was really good), growing hops, and learning about hydroponics. His most favorite pastime was fly fishing and tying his own flies. He made his own bamboo rod and could spend hours in fly fishing shops pushing Evelyn's patience to the max. Although a devout Christian, Tom asked that instead of attending a funeral service, that you donate a unit of blood and if you can't, find someone that can. That precious gift of life enabled him to be with us a longer time. His ashes will be dispersed in the Ocean off of Captiva in February 2021. Tom is survived by his loving wife and son, Evelyn and Tommy, parents Ron & Phyllis Fraser, Step-mother Sandra Alwine, brothers Tim (Susie) and Jeff Alwine and adopted brother Kent Messmacher (Michele) as well as beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Charles and sisters Sandy and Jill. Tom wanted his obituary to make him sound like a rock star. I'm sure you agree, he really was. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

Tributes

Thomas M "Tom" Alwine

February 6, 1953 - March 7, 2020