Obituary of Thomas McLachlan

Thomas Lee McLachlan, 79, of North Liberty, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, at Lantern Park, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. He was born on July 1, 1947, to Thomas and Billie McLachlan.

Tom proudly served his country as a United States Marine from 1966 to 1970, attaining the rank of Sergeant and serving in the Vietnam War. His service to his country was a source of great pride throughout his life.

 On January 23, 1971, Tom married the love of his life, Kristine Karol Stork. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, laughter, and countless memories.

Tom retired in 2009 from the Iowa Medical and Classification Center after 32 years of dedicated service as an electrical engineering technician. He took great pride in his work and in the many years he spent contributing to his community through his career.

Tom was a man who believed in being involved and giving back to his community. He served several years with the Iowa City Music Auxiliary and served on the North Liberty Planning and Zoning Committee. He also loved being involved in his children's activities, including coaching his son's soccer league.

Family was at the heart of Tom's life, and he had a tremendous love for his three granddaughters, Faith, Brynlee, and Lilly. He treasured the time he spent with them and took great pride in watching them grow.

When Tom wasn't working or serving his community, he enjoyed touring different casinos, working on jigsaw puzzles, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. When his children were young, one of his special joys was making homemade birthday cakes for them. The time and love he put into those cakes created memories his family will cherish for years to come.

Tom will be deeply missed by his wife, Kristine, of North Liberty; his daughter, Nicole (David) Moyes of Coralville, Iowa; his son, Thomas (Jill) McLachlan of Coralville, Iowa; and his three beloved granddaughters, Faith, Brynlee, and Lilly. He is also survived by his brother, Bob McLachlan; sister-in-law, Lynn Stork; and several nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Billie McLachlan; his sister, Becky McLachlan; and his brother-in-law, Norman “Skip” Stork.

Tom will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud Marine, community-minded neighbor, and loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan. He was a man who found joy in family, friendships, service, and the simple moments that made life special. His kindness, humor, dedication, and love for his family will live on through the many lives he touched.