Thomas “Tom” Eugene Sundeen passed from this world on September 14, 2026, at the age of 71.
Tom was born on February 11, 1955, in Kearney, Nebraska. He attended Lincoln Public Schools, where he participated in band and Boy Scouts. A proud Rocket at Lincoln Northeast High School, Tom excelled in track and field and graduated in 1974.
He went on to attend Peru State College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Tom spent much of his career with the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Tom had a lifelong curiosity about science, space, and the world around him. From an early age, he followed NASA’s space missions and enjoyed watching Lost in Space and Star Trek with his siblings. That interest grew into a lifelong love of science fiction, with Douglas Adams becoming a particular favorite. Tom also had a deep interest in Native American cultures and cared about protecting the environment.
Tom is survived by his daughter, Evalynn Sundeen, and her husband, Ehren Boren, of Seattle; his siblings, Cindy Sundeen of Omaha, Lori Sundeen Soderbergh of Dallas, and Jim Sundeen of Tempe, Arizona; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Gloria Sandels- Sundeen, and his brother, Bill Sundeen.
A graveside service will be held for family and close friends at Wyuka on Friday, September 25th, at 11 AM. Everyone who knew Tom and would like to gather, share stories, and remember him is warmly invited to join the family afterward at The Isles in Havelock on Friday evening beginning at 6PM.
And, as Tom might remind us in the words of Douglas Adams:
“Don’t Panic.”
I knew “Tommy” from childhood, he was my “down the alley” longtime friend til they moved over by Whitehall (I think). We used to run our legs off that 70th & Francis street neighborhood! I cherish those childhood days, & he was part of that. I went to the same schools that he did. We grew up together.
Tom and I worked together at SCC part-time in the computer lab helping students. I was hired at the Department of Transportation in the IT division and a year later Tom was hired in the same department. Thanks to Tom I also became a watcher of Big Brother and Survivor. Tom retired and Covid hit and we lost touch. Had some great times working together and solving problems for users
I remember Tom as the kind and thoughtful brother to my friend and bandmate Bill Sundeen. I enjoyed seeing and talking to him in recent years at the LAFTA concerts on occasion. Sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to the family.