Thomas Patrick Sherlock

Thomas Patrick Sherlock (Tom, Tommy, Twiggy and most recognizable as Santa), 74, passed away unexpectedly at his home in South Sioux City, NE on June 21st, 2024 following a long and hard battle with health issues. Tom was born on January 19th, 1950 in Sioux City, Iowa. He was the son of Dan and Helen Tighe. After his mother’s death, Tom was adopted by Frank and Mary Sherlock. 

Tom graduated from Sacred Heart in Emerson, NE. Throughout his life, he had many jobs. His final career was an over the road truck driver which he loved so much. Seeing the country brought him pure joy. While some may have known him as Tom, most of the Siouxland community knew him as Santa. In 1982, Tom began his Santa legacy and brought so much joy to many generations of children and their families in the Siouxland area. While he enjoyed portraying Santa for many years, Tom passed on the Santa suit in 2022.

Tom enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his several grandchildren that kept him going until the very end. He was an avid gun lover and member of Rev Tac in Jackson, Nebraska. In addition, Tom was an active member in NA and AA with 43 years clean and sober. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Helen Tighe and Frank and Mary Sherlock, and his beloved dogs, Cara and Buddy. He is survived by, as he said, three great women: his current wife, LeEtta Sherlock of Dakota City, NE, former wife, Vivian Sherlock of South Sioux City, NE, and former wife, Bobi Phillips of West Point, NE. Additionally, he is survived by his children, Sarah Gifford (Sherlock) of Sioux City, IA, Dalton Sherlock of South Sioux City, NE, Katie and Raul Murillo of Sioux City, IA, Patricia and Dave Corralez of Omaha, NE, and Cynthia Shopp of Dakota City, NE, grandchildren, Nathan Sherlock of Sergeant Bluff, IA, Nickolas Sherlock of South Sioux City, NE, Ozzy, Beckham, Makenna, Jasper, and Cyprus, siblings, Margaret "Peggy" Woltman of Papillion, NE, Mike and Kate Tighe of Shoreview, MN, Deb and Ray Jameson of Wallace, NE, and Kathryn and Jim Wilkerson of Lincoln, NE, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved cat, Chemo.

We would love for anyone who would like to celebrate Tom’s life to join us and share stories and memories. Tom’s celebration of life will be held on July 10th, 2024 from 4:00pm-9:00pm at The Knights of Columbus, located at 1805 W 29th St, South Sioux City, NE 68776.  A rosary will be recited at 6 pm as part of the celebration. 

For anyone wanting to donate, please contact Sarah Gifford (Sherlock) as a memorial fund has been put into place to help cover costs to lay Tom (Santa) to rest. You may also donate to Mohr & Becker Hunt funeral home located at 1431 W 29th St, South Sioux City, NE 68776. 

We want to thank everyone who has been here and shared their love and unwavering support for Tom and his family throughout the years, especially as we navigate through this very difficult time. We appreciate you all very much.