Thomas "Tom" Tschritter, 91, of Selby, South Dakota, and formerly of Linton, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Walworth County Care Center in Selby, where he had been a resident for just two short months. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the First Baptist Church, Linton, ND. Burial will take place at the Linton Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at Sannes Feist Funeral Home, Linton. A livestream of Tom’s funeral service will be available on the funeral home website.

Tom was born on November 24, 1934, in Linton, North Dakota, the sixth of thirteen children born to Edward and Lydia (Kiemele) Tschritter. Growing up in a large family taught him the values that would define his life—hard work, humility, faith, and putting family first. He attended Linton Public Schools and graduated with the Linton High School Class of 1952.

On November 3, 1955, Tom was inducted into the United States Army, serving for two years at a missile base in New Jersey. He was honorably discharged in November 1961 after completing both his active and reserve service. Although he did not serve during a time of conflict, he was deeply proud of his military service and considered it an important chapter of his life.

On August 16, 1962, Tom married the love of his life, Janice Kay Dyk, at Hope Reformed Church in Westfield, North Dakota. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another. This month, they would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.

After returning from military service, Tom began working at the Emmons County Record in Linton, where he spent 21 years as a printer. He later worked at the Bismarck Tribune for three years before changing careers. Those who knew Tom knew he had an incredible eye for detail. He was one of the best proofreaders around and could spot a typo, misplaced comma, or grammatical mistake almost instantly. (Dad, I apologize in advance for any punctuation mistakes in this obituary.)

In January of 1973, their world became a little brighter with the arrival of their daughter, Kaye Lynn. She was the perfect piece to complete their little family, and from that point forward, being a husband and a dad—and eventually a grandpa and great-grandpa—would be among Tom's greatest joys.

In 1981, Tom began working for Alton Rau with Standard Oil as a bulk fuel driver before joining Cenex Oil Company in Linton, where he spent 17 years delivering gasoline, diesel fuel, and LP gas throughout the area. Whether in the print shop or behind the wheel of a fuel truck, Tom took pride in doing every job well. He retired in 2000 after a lifetime of dependable service.

Faith was the foundation of Tom's life. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Linton, where he served in various capacities over the years and especially enjoyed singing bass in the church quartet. His steady presence, willingness to serve, and quiet faith were an example to many.

Tom loved sports and possessed an almost unbelievable memory. He could recall scores from games played decades earlier, name players from nearly every era, tell you where they went to college, and offer an honest opinion about whether they were any good. His favorite spot in the house was in his recliner in front of the tv.

His greatest joy, however, was watching his grandchildren, which he was so proud of. He enjoyed watching them participate in football, basketball, and baseball. Although he had spent a lifetime rooting for the Linton Lions, when his grandsons took the court or field for Herreid/Selby, his loyalties shifted without hesitation—even if it meant cheering against his hometown team once or twice.

Tom wasn't a man who sought attention or recognition. He simply loved his family, worked hard, honored his commitments, and lived with quiet integrity. Those who knew him will remember his dry sense of humor, his sharp mind, his dependable nature, and the gentle way he cared for those he loved. His example will continue to live on in the family he treasured.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Janice, formerly of Linton, North Dakota; his daughter, Kaye Lynn, and son-in-law, Kenneth "Lance" VanderVorst, of Herreid, South Dakota; grandsons Brady and his wife Faith (Haak) VanderVorst of Herreid, and Karson VanderVorst of Herreid; granddaughter Ashlyn and her husband Zachary Fischer of Wishek, North Dakota; and three cherished great-granddaughters, Hadley, Lainey, and Bentley VanderVorst, all of Herreid.

He is also survived by one brother, Reuben (Verda) Tschritter of West Fargo, North Dakota; one sister, Donna (Donald) Job of Stillwater, Minnesota; sisters-in-law Linda Tschritter of Linton and JoAnn Dyk of Bismarck; brothers-in-law Elmer (Marge) Wagner of Bismarck, and Elmer Ackerman of Fargo; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lydia Tschritter; his father- and mother-in-law, Peter and Gertie (Compaan) Dyk; his infant son, Todd, in 1969; brothers Edward (Helen), Henry (in infancy), Daniel (Lorraine), Jacob (Pauline), Robert, Samuel (Jan), and Donald (in infancy); sisters Frances Wagner, Ruth Ackerman, and Elaine Breckel; brothers-in-law Calvin Breckel, LeRoy Dyk, and Milo Dyk; and his special niece, Arlys (Wagner) Isaak.

Military honors will be provided by the Jacob A. Heinrich American Legion Post #170 of Herreid, South Dakota, the Jacob A. Heinrich Sons of the American Legion Squadron #170, the Dan R. Richardson American Legion Post 54 of Linton, ND and the North Dakota National Guard Military Funeral Honors Group.