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Thomas "Tom" O'Dean Burwick of Mott, ND passed away on December 30, 2023 at Essentia Health in Fargo ND.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, July 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.  Fr. Chris Kadrmas will officiate and burial of Tom's ashes will follow at Sunnyslope Cemetery.  A Vigil/Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m. at St. Vincent's Catholic Church on Thursday evening, July 11, 2024.

Tom was born January 5, 1947 in Mott, ND to Vernon and Lois (Gifford) Burwick, the second of six children.

After graduating from Mott High School, he attended North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND and completed his associate degree.  He then served honorably in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Vietnam War.  Following his military service, he moved back to Mott and opened Burwick's Refrigeration, which served southwest North Dakota and northwest South Dakota.

Tom married Beverly Lutz in 1979, proudly becoming a dad of Bev's three small children. They later welcomed their youngest child, Paul, completing their family. Tom and Bev were always active members of the Mott community helping friends and family as well as St. Vincent's Catholic Church.

In January 1989, Tom and Bev moved their family to Phoenix, AZ.  After working for several private companies, he took a job with Deer Valley Unified School District in Phoenix, where he supervised several employees responsible for maintaining air conditioning units at all of the schools. Tom continued to work for DVUSD for more than 20 years before retiring, making great friends all around the valley.

Tom loved to go to garage sales and was always looking for a great deal. It was a lifelong obsession that started by attending auction sales in North Dakota. Tom was a member of the American Legion and an active member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Phoenix.  He loved having friends and family over to their home and hosted many parties and several weddings. Tom loved and adored his children and grandchildren and was always happy when they came to visit.

After the passing of his beloved wife, Tom moved back to his hometown of Mott, ND, leaving behind the big city smog and traffic for the calm, quiet, and clean air of North Dakota.  Along with reacquainting himself with family and old friends, Tom made many more friends who all enjoyed a cold beer and jokes in his basement "Burwick's Bar".  His wit and many stories will remain cherished memories for all who had the privilege to share in those moments.  Always willing to lend a hand or advice to anyone who asked, his wealth of knowledge will be greatly missed.

Tom is survived by his children, Stephanie (Marc) Bonner, Phoenix AZ, Steve (Sandy) Holler, Phoenix, AZ, Erik (Kathy) Holler, Woodland, WA and Paul Burwick, Phoenix, AZ.  Siblings Norma (Darrel) Auer, Dickinson ND, Tim Burwick, Bismarck, ND, Lacey (Kevin) Niceswanger, Grand Forks, ND, Kelley (Nick) Powers, Olympia, WA. Sisters-in-law Joyce (Frank) Banyai, Bismarck, ND, Mary (Bud) Friedli, Austin, TX, and brother-in-law Charlie (Jean) Lutz, Mandan, ND. Grandchildren Ashlyn, Matthew, Jacob and Ben Bonner, Seth, Luke and Joel Holler, Addy, Katie and Emily Holler and Olivia Burwick, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly, parents Vernon and Lois Burwick, brother Jason, father and mother-in-law Mike and Emmie Lutz, and brother and sister-in-law Seb and Norita Roll.