Thomas Lutz Bieth

Thomas Lutz Bieth was born January 18, 1951, to Gordon and Martha (Morden) Bieth of  Mason City, Iowa.  Tom got his first job at nine years old. He took the money he made and bought tools and  a toolbox, forming a lifelong pattern. In the fall of 1969, he came sight unseen to Colorado. He attended Western State College in Gunnison and graduated in 1973. He married Kathryn  Peterson, 1974. They lived briefly in Tom's hometown of Mason City, Iowa, but returned to  Southwest Colorado in 1977 and started a family. They raised two boys in Montrose and made a  home there. Tom was self-employed most of his life as a heavy mechanic, machinist, and welder. 

Besides being a father, Tom was a mentor and friend to others in the industry and the area.  Tom's early life gave him an appreciation for the outdoors, but the mountains of  Southwest Colorado was where he belonged. During his time in Gunnison, he hunted, hiked,  and fished there. Later, he worked in the areas above Ouray, Silverton, Durango, and Telluride to  provide for his family. Tom Bieth worked and got great satisfaction from completing difficult  jobs, a trait that his sons and the people around him admired. 

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Martha, and his grandfather,  Frank Bieth, whom he admired. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy, their two sons,  Lee (Bethany) and Casey, and many welders and machinists who will miss his advice. Tom was  a member of Living Word Lutheran Church and a supporter of local charities like the Dolphin  House.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to a charity of the donor’s  choice. Old welders don't die; they pass the torch. Job well done.

 Arrangements are in the care of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory.