THOMAS (TOM) STETSON
October 28, 1943 – February 9, 2025
Thomas (Tom) Edward Stetson passed away on February 9, 2025 in Susanville, California at the age of 81. He was born in Vallejo, California on October 28, 1943 to Carl Leo (Leo) Stetson, Jr. and
Marguerite Coupe Stetson. Tom grew up in Davis, California and graduated from Davis High School in 1961. After graduation, he worked at Sterling-May Equipment Company in Woodland, where
he met his wife, Judith Owen, after repairing her motorcycle. They married in 1970 and resided in Woodland until 1976, when they moved to Modesto to establish a lawn mower equipment business,
The Mower Center. He and Judy raised their three children in Modesto.
From a young age, he had a unique ability to repair, build and create all types of mechanical and electrical items, a skill he used throughout his life. In addition to his lawn equipment business, in 2000, he established and became Manager of a Radio Shack store in Susanville, Ca before retiring in 2010. He then worked part-time for Frito-Lay and finally ACE Hardware, where he loved helping customers find items for home and business improvements and suggest ways to complete their projects.
From 2013, he volunteered as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Lassen Family Services and was very proud of working with 33 children in foster care. He used his creative talents to entertain his kids and grandkids and children he met as a CASA volunteer -- from making puppets, drawing pictures and creating toys with his 3-D printer. Tom was a nice guy, with a “quirky” personality; he always had several projects going at the same time and created “inventions,” some of which he shared with his grandchildren and ACE Hardware co-workers. He also loved the animals that would visit his rural property, take pictures and share them with his family.
He was a deeply devout Catholic, and his home was a reflection of his unwavering faith, filled with bible scriptures and prayers. He consistently lifted others in prayer, offering a heart full of compassion and a spirit of service. His life in Susanville was defined by his selflessness, always putting the needs of others before his own. As Hebrews 13:1 reminds us: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
He is survived by his children: Tod D. Stetson (Holly); Carrie L. Cook (Ken); and Hannah L. Poot (Billy); three grandchildren: Aaron J. Stetson (Alexandra); Ethan T. Stetson; and Allison T. Poot; and two great-grandchildren: Theodore Bjorn Stetson and Rowan Thomas Stetson. He is also survived by his brother Daniel L. Stetson and sister Luree J. Stetson. His parents and former wife preceded him in death.
Tom was buried in Davis California where he grew up, but his family is hosting a reception for Tom’s Susanville friends to share stories and remembrances. The reception will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025, 3 pm to 5 pm at Sacred Heart Church’s Morain Parish Hall, 140 North Weatherlow Street in Susanville, Ca. Contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to Lassen Family Services CASA, PO Box 710, Susanville, Ca. 96130 or lassenfamilyservices.org/donate.