Tom Clary

A Mass of Christian Burial for Tom Clary, 70, of Arnolds Park, Iowa, will be offered at 1 p.m., Friday, March 27, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Interment will be at Okoboji Cemetery in Arnolds Park.

A Rosary Service will be prayed at 4 p.m., Thursday, March 26, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford, followed by a visitation with the family present until 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in honor of Tom, which will benefit the charities close to his heart.

Thomas Walter Clary, born Sept. 27, 1955, to Evelyn and Edward Clary in Eldora, Iowa, passed away March 17, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Tom graduated from Eldora High School in 1974, where he excelled in athletics, earning All-State honors in football, basketball, and track. He was a two-time Iowa State Track Champion in the 440-yard dash, and his athletic success earned him a full track scholarship to the University of Northern Iowa, where he graduated in 1978 with a degree in Business.

After graduating from college, Tom returned to the Iowa Great Lakes area where he combined his love of business and the lakes. In 1980, he founded what would become Clary Lake Service, beginning with a single barge and a vision to build the best lake service company in the region. His work ethic and determination quickly turned one barge into several, growing the company into one of the leading lake service operations in the Iowa Great Lakes. Tom worked alongside his son Chad, who began learning the business at a young age. In 2022, Tom proudly sold Clary Lake Service to Chad, who continues building upon the legacy Tom established on the lakes.

Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit continued when he built Laser Car Wash in Milford alongside his brother John. Over time, Tom built a total of 11 car washes, retaining two locations in Spencer and Milford. It became both a hobby and a passion as he continually worked to make them the best they could be.

Tom was married to Diane Buscher from 1980 to 2009, and together they raised two sons, Chad and Brandon, while building their home on Lake Minnewashta, where they shared nearly 30 years together. Tom was a tough but caring father who believed in hard work and perseverance. Chad shared Tom’s passions for the lakes area, Hawkeye sports, and NASCAR racing. Brandon followed in Tom’s footsteps obtaining a degree in Business from the University of Northern Iowa before moving to Colorado to pursue his love for mountain sports.

In 2013, Tom met his partner Di Lorenzen, who was the Marketing Director at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. Tom had long been a generous supporter of the Park, helping with projects and donating time and materials to improve the historic landmark. Tom and Di shared homes in Arnolds Park, Iowa and Daytona Beach, Florida, where they spent many wonderful years together. Daytona Beach became Tom’s winter home where he loved walking the beach, spending time on the water, and hosting family and friends. In Daytona, Tom also discovered a love for NASCAR and attended many races including nearly every Daytona 500 race over the last 24 years.

Tom was deeply committed to his community. He served as President of the Arnolds Park School Board (1982–1985), was a member of the Okoboji School Board, served on the Iowa Lakes Corridor of Opportunity Board, and spent many years as a Director for United Community Bank. Tom was known for his generosity and willingness to help others, proudly supporting friends, organizations, and community projects.

Tom’s faith became central to his life. Tom was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford, where he led the committee responsible for building the church hall, which he envisioned as a gathering place for the community. He was also active in his church in Daytona Beach, often spending mornings after Mass visiting with priests and friends.

Above all else, Tom loved his family. His heart was fullest when surrounded by children and grandchildren. He adored spending time with Chevy, Dirks, Ellie, Ava, and Nora, whether it was rides on the boat or wave runners, time at Arnolds Park, or simply visits and phone calls that brightened his day.

For nearly eleven years, Tom battled cancer with the same determination he applied to everything in his life. He became an advocate for researching and learning about cancer and alternative therapies, constantly seeking knowledge and sharing what he learned with others. He pursued treatments through the Mayo Clinic, Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, and the Abben Cancer Center in Spencer. Along with his partner Di and longtime friend and accountant Dan Croft, he helped support Dr. Brad Meyer and Carrie Meyer in establishing the Okoboji Wellness Center, believing strongly in its mission and the potential to help others through innovative therapies. Tom also proudly co-owned an aircraft that was used, in part, to transport organs for lifesaving transplants.

Tom never stopped competing, never stopped building, and never stopped believing there was a way forward. His legacy will live on and shine through his family, the businesses he built, and the many lives he touched.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Edward Clary. He is survived by his partner Di Lorenzen; his sons Chad (Erin) Clary and Brandon Clary (partner Cameron); his grandchildren Chevy and Dirks; the mother of his children, Diane Clary; Di’s children Jessica (Aaron) Javorsky and Krista Brown; Di’s grandchildren Ellie, Ava, and Nora; his brother John (Nancy) Clary; nephew Brady (Jenna) Clary; niece Briana (Jeremy) Elliott; and many extended family members and friends.

Turner Jenness Funeral Home of Milford is in charge of the arrangements.