Thomas Arthur Lietzan

Thomas Arthur Lietzan, age 74, of Hamburg, Iowa, passed away on November 17, 2025. He was born on June 3, 1951, in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, to Arthur and Elsie Lietzan, and was raised on the family farm where he developed his lifelong love of hard work and service.

Tom graduated from Cheyenne Wells High School in 1969 and began his career working for a crop spray company, where his passion for flying took flight. He earned his pilot’s license and logged countless hours in the sky. In the summer of 2024, Tom and his wife, Nancy, revisited the small airfield where he learned to fly. There, he shared a heartfelt reunion with his flight instructor who was now in his late 90s and the two reminisced as if no time had passed.

Following his early aviation work, Tom attended Western Technical College in Denver, Colorado, where he graduated summa cum laude. He then began his career with RCA, specializing in electrical configurations ranging from full warehouse wiring to sophisticated radio operations including air-traffic control. His technical and particularly radio communication expertise later served him well when he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country with distinction from 1977 to retirement in 1993.

Rising to the rank of Master Sergeant, Tom received numerous commendations for his dedication and professionalism. His service afforded him opportunities to live and work around the world including in Germany, England, Pakistan, Italy, and Turkey; all experiences that broadened his worldview and deepened his patriotism.

After retiring from Offutt Air Force Base in 1993, Tom continued to stay active and involved in his community. He worked at Ariens in Auburn, Nebraska, A&A Hardware in Hamburg, Iowa, and Ace Hardware in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Known for his attention to detail and friendly nature, Tom enjoyed helping others and staying connected to the people around him.

A proud patriot and lifelong learner, Tom remained deeply engaged with world affairs, current events, and his fellow veterans through reading, news, and meaningful conversation. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was a devoted member of the Catholic Church having served as an alter boy in his youth.

Tom was united in marriage to Nancy Finnell on July 13, 2022, and together they made their home in Hamburg, Iowa. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures, including several road trips like that special trip back to his flying roots.

Tom will be remembered for his loyalty, intellect, humor, and unshakable devotion to his country, family, and faith.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Finnell of Hamburg; Nancy’s children and grandchildren; niece and nephews: Kristina Medford, BJ (Keelee) Medford, and John Medford; other family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Jane Medford, and his brother Alan Lietzan.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Rash-Gude Funeral Home in Hamburg. A graveside service with military honors will be held in Cheyenne Wells, CO at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Hamburg American Legion.  

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