Thomas Lund Loland

Thomas Lund Loland passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, February 1, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by 4 generations of his most prized possessions.

Born in New York on July 6, 1943 to Martin and Gina-Marie Loland, Tommy spent his childhood running the streets of Brooklyn and fishing off the piers of the Hudson River. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1961, and later served overseas on active duty as a second class petty officer with the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1969 in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Okinawa. After graduating in 1971 with high honors from Moorehead State, he then went on to begin his 30+ year career spanning across several states with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. While living in Minneapolis, he met and fell in love with Iris Ann Gustafson during a late night gas station stop. Tom and Iris were married on October 21, 1967 at Tainan Air Force Base in Taiwan. Together, they built their family and created a lifetime of precious moments.

When Tom wasn’t coaching one of his children’s sports teams or working on his “honey-do” list around the house, he could be found tinkering in his well organized garage. His love of baseball that formed during his childhood watching the Brooklyn Dodgers and playing on neighborhood teams led him to the MS Braves. For 14 seasons after his VA retirement, he served as an enthusiastic usher, often commenting that he may not get paid much but was able to watch the games for free. He also found great joy in spending time outdoors, where he could often be found at the Crossgates Lake with his fishing poles in tow. Many were blessed to receive his infamous fishing reports that highlighted his love of both photography and journalism.

Tom is survived by his wife, Iris, of 58 years and their 3 children, Kevin Loland (Pam), Kristine Sorey, and Kim Schwippert (Gar) along with his 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Gina-Marie Loland and sister, Alice Olsen (Jack).

Tom will be remembered for his generosity and unwavering devotion to helping others in need. Whether it be a close friend, family member, or a complete stranger, he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He was a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin, veteran, friend and neighbor, but his most cherished title was that of Grandpa.

A memorial service will be held at Nativity Lutheran Church in Brandon, MS at 2pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026.