Thomas Emil Eggel of 357 Regli Lane, Ferndale, passed away on December 11, 2025 on his brother’s Ferndale ranch on Crosby Lane. He was 79.

Tom was born to Olga and Emil Eggel on May 9, 1946 in Arcata. He was raised in Klamath, Orick and Arcata. He graduated from Arcata High School in 1964 and was drafted into the military in 1965. After serving, he went to work in the Arcata Plywood plant until it closed its doors. Tom moved to Ferndale in the early 1980s to start a dairy ranch, which he maintained until 1989. He then went to work for Eel River Disposal in Fortuna until he retired.

After retirement, Tom enjoyed his time working on the ranch property he inherited from his uncle Ed Regli. He spent many days and hours improving the roads and the family campsite on the property that he loved so much.

Tom is survived by his wife Lucia and stepsons, Zanden, Hero and Prince in addition to his son L.T. with his deceased wife Lovelyn. He also is survived by his first wife, Charlotte Palmer, their children Tony (Shannon) Eggel and Annette Eggel (James) Carpenter and grandson Calvin Carpenter, along with several nieces and nephews, and his brother Robert Eggel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim Eggel, sister Kay Eggel Schekla, sister Mary Eggel Pelasini and his second wife Lovelyn Delogosa.

There will be a memorial mass held on January 10, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church at 546 Berding in Ferndale, with a potluck gathering in the church hall following the service.