Thomas L. Firari passed from this world into eternal life July 7, 2026. Tom was born February 10, 1951, in Portage to LaVerne and Bonalyn (Baird) Firari.

Tom graduated from Columbus High School in 1969 and then worked in the family laundromat business. He later worked for his good friend Chub Martin at Carquest as a parts salesman. When his parents became ill, he stepped in and assisted with their care.

Tom shared his family's love of cars by attending car shows with brothers Bill and Doug. He was also a great storyteller, relaying the time he decided to pack them all in a new Buick and drive cross-country to the 1962 Seattle World's Fair with no air conditioning in the car.

Most important to Tom were his family, his church family at Zion Lutheran, and all his numerous friends, his chosen family.

Despite all his health problems over the years, he made a point of going to all the county fairs and country music concerts in the area. He met with his coffee buddies whenever he could and rarely missed Sunday services.

Tom is survived by Jon (Beverly) Firari of Tennessee and sister-in-law Bridget Kutzik Firari of Columbus. Tom is further survived by numerous cousins and special friends. You know who you are. He so cherished these friendships.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bill and Doug, and numerous aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 17 with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Columbus. Inurnment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Columbus. Rev. Ben Zuberbier will officiate.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Zion Lutheran Church or Prairie Ridge Health Cardiac Rehab.

A special thank you to Tom's friends who have reached out and helped these last couple of weeks. Those phone calls and visits meant more than you will ever know.

Also thank you to Dr. Rolf and Sam Poser and the Poser Clinic for all the support and care over the years.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Tom's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com