Thomas Aanestad Obituary

Thomas Eugene Aanestad

It is with great sorrow that the family of Thomas Eugene Aanestad announces his passing on May 10th, 2024 at the age of 87 in Fresno, California.

Tom was born on June 28, 1936 in Drake, North Dakota to Helge "Gerald" and Josephine Aanestad. In 1949, at age 13, his parents along with his two brothers, Jerry and Dan and his sister Judy moved to Porterville, California.

Tom attended Porterville Union High School where he played in basketball, was a track star and was the MC at all the high school assemblies. Tom had a huge love for music and dreamed of playing in big bands like the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Tom's passion was trumpet, but he was known to play the piano, organ, harmonica and even the bugle. Tom found great pleasure in the outdoors. As a young adult, Tom spent time as a park ranger, and loved to tell the story of getting bit by one fang by a rattlesnake. He loved fishing, trap and skeet shooting and motorcycle riding.

Tom married Lovita McDonald on July 24, 1963. They were married 61 years and raised seven children together. Lovita was the love of Tom's life and his "forever girlfriend." He treasured their commitment to each other and was a devoted husband and father. Tom loved children and children loved Tom. After he retired, he enjoyed playing with the kids in Lovita's family daycare. Family was the most important thing to Tom. He loved to spend holidays and birthdays with the entire clan, including his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tom was a Porterville police officer for 13 years. He won a trophy from the Porterville Police Association for being the best sharpshooter. After retiring from the police department, he owned Tom's Ranch Market in Porterville for many years and made many friends.

After selling the market, Tom moved his family to the Bay Area, where he began his banking career. He worked for Central Bank, Bank of the West, Security Pacific and Bank of America before retiring in 1994.

Tom was larger than life and was successful in everything he did. He could tell a great story, loved a good joke, and had a contagious sense of humor to the end. He will be remembered for his affectionate sayings like, "This is the phantom of Fresno," "You are my favorite kid," and "The verdict is still out."

Tom was a man of faith, integrity, and principles who you could trust and depend on when you needed help. His story is one of triumph over adversary. Born from modest means, Tom greatly influenced everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and hard work.

Tom is survived by his sister, Judy Brassfield (Robert), children Robert Mounce (Sherri), Terri Swartz (Gary), Jonathan Aanestad, Julie Eller (Matt), Mary Lutz (Warren), 22 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife Lovita, brothers Jerry and Dan, and sons Michael Aanestad and David Mounce.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24th at Hillcrest Cemetery Memorial. Donations may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.