Timothy "Tim" McDermott's Obituary
Timothy “Tim” Andrew McDermott, age 68, of Mystic, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on December 31, 1957, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Tim was the son of Henry David McDermott and Mary Elizabeth (Davies) McDermott. Arriving on the final day of the year, Tim spent his life closing chapters with gratitude and opening new ones with determination, humor, and a willingness to lend a helping hand.
Following his education, Tim worked at Divine Engineering with his dad learning how to weld. Then, he proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. During four years of faithful service, he developed the discipline, work ethic, and sense of duty that would remain hallmarks of his character throughout his life.
On June 7, 1985 Tim married Vickie Varese, beginning a partnership built on love, devotion, and family. Together they welcomed three sons, Trent, Chad, and Austin, who became the center of their world. Tim took immense pride in his boys and treasured every opportunity to support, encourage, and guide them through life's adventures.
Tim spent his career working as a millwright for Local Union 2158, a profession suited to his mechanical mind and strong hands. He was a craftsman by nature, someone who could build, repair, and improve nearly anything he set his mind to. Whether at work or at home, he found satisfaction in solving problems and creating something that would stand the test of time.
Outside of work, Tim found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time fishing, enjoying the peace of the water and the camaraderie of those beside him. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer from the stands at his children's and grandchildren’s ballgames, where his support was steady and unwavering. Carpentry projects filled many of his days, and he took pride in every board cut, nail driven, and project completed.
More than anything, Tim was a family man. Family gatherings, playing cards, conversations around the table, and moments spent with those he loved were what mattered most to him. He was known for his generous heart and his willingness to help anyone in need. If someone needed advice, a lesson, or simply a helping hand, Tim was there. Friends and family will forever remember his favorite saying, delivered with a grin and a spark of wisdom: "Let me learn you something." It was a phrase that perfectly reflected his desire to teach, guide, and share what he knew with others.
Tim leaves behind a legacy of hard work, service, kindness, and devotion to family. His lessons, laughter, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Though his earthly work is complete, the values he instilled and the memories he created will remain a lasting gift to those he leaves behind.
Those left to honor Tim’s memory are his wife, Vickie McDermott; his children, Trent (Brittany) McDermott, Chad (Tasha) McDermott, and Austin McDermott; his grandchildren, Hudson, Hadley, Harrison, Hayes, Rebel, Riggly, and Revan; his brother, Jim (Jo) McDermott; his sister, Donna Schorg; his mother-in-law, Lucy Varese; his father-in-law, Joe (Shirley) Varese; his sisters-in-law, Melanie (Wade) Cowan, Deanna (Fred) Williamson and Loretta (Courtney) Friedman; his brothers-in-law, Jim Ficher, Tim Varese, Ricky Varese, Dennis Varese and Randy (Carol) Varese; and several extended family members and friends.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mary McDermott; his sister, Elizabeth Fischer; his brothers-in-law, Matthew Varese and George Schorg; and his nephew, Mike Schorg.
Funeral services will be held at 3PM, Sunday, June 7, 2026 at the Dedication Site at Lake Rathbun (20447 Indigo Circle) with Pastor Terry Chapman officiating. Please bring a lawn chair if you’d like. Cremation will follow the service. Visitation will take place Sunday, June 7, 2026 at the Dedication Site at Lake Rathbun, with the family greeting friends from 1:00PM-3:00PM. Memorials in honor of Tim have been established to either the Centerville Fire and Rescue or the Mystic Fire Department, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: McDermott Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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