Tom Hotchkin, 68, of Grinnell, died April 15, 2012, at his home. A graveside service and burial will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at Chester Cemetery, north of Grinnell with Pastor John Epperson, Grinnell Christian Church, officiating. Military rites will be performed by the Newburg American Legion Post #640. Visitation with the family present will be held at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell from 4:00 to 7:00 Thursday evening. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Tom Hotchkin memorial fund to benefit the Grinnell Regional Hospice, Grinnell Christian Church and Soldier's Best Friend, an organization to provide therapeutic companion dogs for the United States military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For more information, go to www.soldiersbestfriend.org. Tom was born in Grinnell on April 28, 1943. The son of Gerald Michael and Martha "Dolly" Tamer (Eames) Hotchkin. He was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School in 1961. As a veteran of the United States Army, he served in Vietnam with the 6th Battalion, 27th Artillery. Tom was united in marriage to Marie Peak on April 10, 1965 at the First United Presbyterian Church in Grinnell. The couple lived in El Paso, Texas where Tom was stationed; Gilman, Iowa and then made their home in Grinnell. Over the years he was employed with Wilcox-Garland Furniture Store, Iowa Southern Utilities, Chief Alfalfa and most recently Grinnell College in the Facilities Management Department where he retired in 2006. Tom has been a member of the Grinnell Christian Church, Jaycees, Grinnell Elks Lodge, Vietnam Veterans of America, and served 45 years with Newburg American Legion Post #640. Tom was very proud of his family and he loved them dearly. He enjoyed polishing vehicles, woodworking, matting pictures, framing art and tinkering with just about anything. His hands were always busy. Tom loved people and visiting with family and friends, especially when he could bring a "smile" to their face. He held a passion for his country, a love of camping, the outdoors, and his dog, Syd. Tom loved to dance. He often impressed spectators with his dancing skills, at one time given the local title as King of Rock'n Roll. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Marie; two children, Randy Hotchkin of Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rapid City, South Dakota and Angie Hotchkin of New Sharon; two sisters, Maridean Tharp and Marty Meredith, one brother, Jim "Whitey" Hotchkin all of Grinnell; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.