Tom Burmood

Dwayne "Tom" Thomas Burmood passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning surrounded by his family, July 21, 2026. Born on December 8, 1944, Tom was the only child of Dick and Ida Burmood, raised on a farm that nurtured his love for agriculture and the outdoors. Tom rode his horse to a country school.

Tom’s dedication to farming and plant science began during his youthful years in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he served as FFA president and showcased his talents in public speaking and livestock judging. His achievements in 4H were celebrated with grand champion steers and bunnies, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to agriculture.

Tom was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart, Sue, on August 14, 1965. Together, they welcomed three children into the world, who would go on to bless them with eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, creating a legacy of love and family.

Tom's academic journey began with earning a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in agronomy from the University of Nebraska (Go Big Red), and culminated in a PhD from Iowa State University in plant physiology. This paved the way for a highly distinguished career as a corn geneticist, and earning him the nickname of Doc. For seven years, he taught agronomy and genetics at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His role as a research director at Jacques Seed Company in Prescott marked a significant chapter in his life, where he developed eleven research stations across the United States and in Puerto Rico. Following the sale of Jacques to Mycogen, Tom continued to contribute his expertise before moving to Terra Industries in Sioux City, Iowa. His skill as an agronomist flourished through various transitions, ultimately leading to his retirement from Land O’Lakes, where he remained active as a consultant.

Throughout his career, Tom traveled extensively, including visits to Europe, Japan, South America, and Puerto Rico, where he developed a winter nursery. His commitment to the field was matched only by his love for the outdoors; Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he cherished time spent in the woods. He will be remembered for his love for his family and for his generous spirit, often hiding candy for the little ones and always ensuring a sweet surprise awaited them.

Tom was a cherished member of the Hudson United Methodist Church, where he served on the Staff Parish Relations Committee, and he became a friend and mentored many, seeing the good in everyone. His gentle soul was a comfort to those around him, and he faced life’s challenges, including a devastating tractor accident in 2005 and a courageous battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with unwavering resolve and grace.

Visitation 4-7 PM Wednesday July 29 at O’Connell Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St. Hudson and 10-11 AM Thursday July 30 at church. Memorial service 11 AM Thursday at the Hudson United Methodist Church 1401 Laurel Ave, Hudson. Memorials to the Hudson United Methodist Church for their blacktop project or plant a tree in his memory, ensuring that his legacy lives on in the beauty of nature he loved so dearly.

Tom will be dearly missed by his wife, Sue, children Kimberly (Chris) Broeckaert, Steven (Janet) Burmood, John (Tara) Burmood, grandchildren Nicole (Pat) Bauer, Michael Langlois. Eugene Langlois, Megan (Dana) Jensen, Jennifer (Ryan) Sturgis, Kathryn Burmood, Jack Burmood, and Lily Burmood; great-grandchildren Henry & Gregory Bauer, Isla Sturgis; many cousins.

Funeral services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hudson. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725.