Tom L. Zea

Tom L. Zea, 76, of Mason City passed away at home on Friday, November 6, 2026. A visitation will be held at Major Erickson Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, with a time of sharing to begin at 5:30.

Tom was born in Mason City on June 2, 1950, the son of Lowell and Ruby (Childers) Zea. He attended school in town, and graduated from Mason City High School in 1968. Afterwards, Tom travelled out west and spent treasured time in Colorado, where he would return many times over the years.

In 1975, Tom began working on railroads, first with Chicago Northwestern as a track maintenance worker, then later for Union Pacific. His time on the railroad gifted him a great many friends. Tom would continue working alongside them on the railroad until his retirement in 2010.

On October 12, 1985, Tom was united in marriage to Marlene Quayle at the First United Methodist Church in Mason City, and the couple were later blessed with a daughter, Rachel. Tom was quiet and often a reserved person, but he was an emotional and caring man, and never hesitated to make his love for his family known. When, later, his grandson Sage was born, Tom gladly fell into his new role as a loving and proud grandfather.

In his spare time, Tom was passionate about cars. He loved car magazines and car shows, and even drove for Ford in Mason City. He was also very active, and enjoyed walking and hiking outdoors, and cabin stays in Colorado with Marlene, Rachel, Ben, and Sage. He enjoyed spending time at Ransom’s Bar on the weekends visiting with friends. After his lung cancer diagnosis in 2022, he came to enjoy a malt from Awe’z Sandwich Shop. His quiet strength and open, loving heart will be greatly missed.

Tom is survived by his wife of 41 years, Marlene; his daughter, Rachel (Ben) Moorehead; grandson, Sage; cousins, Susan, Debbie, Lynette, Jackie, and Chris; brothers-in-law, Al and Ray; sisters-in-law, Cindy, Deb, and Kay; and his aunt, Maxine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Ruby Zea; his stepson, Randy; his grandparents, and parents-in-law, Morrie and Pearl Quayle.