About Tom

Tom Foughty was born and grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa. After graduating from Fort Dodge Community Schools in 1975, he went on to study business at Iowa Central Community College.

Tom’s career began at an early age when he cleaned and broke down boxes for small local businesses in Fort Dodge. He shared fond memories of this first job and learned skills he carried on to JCPenney. Tom worked in just about every department across stores in Spencer, Iowa and Minot, North Dakota, and always spoke so fondly of his time with JCPenney. He made lifelong friends who recall Tom’s pride in his work and his positive spirit.

In 1986, Tom moved to Orange City, Iowa to work for K Products, Inc. Shortly after moving, he began working at Harold’s Jewelry, and after a decade of learning the ropes, he and his wife, Sharon, purchased the business in 1997. Together, they renamed the business Windmill Park Jewelers. Tom’s customers remember him as being helpful and generous. To him, the customer was always right no matter what, and he treated those who walked in the door with utmost respect. Aside from running the business, Tom was also involved in the Orange City Chamber of Commerce, acted as an Orange City Ambassador, and served as a deacon and member of American Reformed Church. His pride in his business and community was evident in his donning of the bright orange ambassador’s blazer and his insistence on shopping locally.

Tom stopped working at the store in mid-2016 and in December of that year, was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, an illness that had taken both his mother and sister before him. Tom officially retired the following year, and spent lots of time with his beloved therapy dog, Gina. He also enjoyed flexing his creative muscles during this time, and found joy in recycling various objects into unique works of art. His appreciation for music also made its way to the forefront as his disease developed. Always a musical family, Sharon and the kids enjoyed listening to the oldies with him on his turntable, particularly throughout the last few years. Tom often recounted some of his favorite memories, including completing RAGBRAI, fishing at BugBee Hive Resort, and spending time at his sister’s apple orchard.

Tom will be forever remembered as a selfless, humbly proud, and relentlessly positive advocate for his community. His family will remember him as a goofy, inquisitive, loyal, encouraging, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother who gave the best hugs.

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