Mastel, Thomas Lewis' Obituary
Thomas Lewis Mastel passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2026.
Tom was born on August 4, 1936 in Linton, North Dakota to Pius Mastel and Johanna
(Baumgartener) Mastel. Tom was the oldest of 5 children, followed by sisters Marcia Hagland
Kathleen Parisio, Carlotta Schoemer (Bill) and brother Jerry Mastel (Sandra).
After graduating from high school in 1954 Tom went to Minot Teachers College. During college
he and his friends started a dance band to earn tuition money. Coincidentally, that band, The
Collegiates, played at Kathy’s high school prom in 1958! Tom went on to teach music, physics
and math in Columbus, Ray and New Rockford, ND. In Columbus he met Kathy Harmon, also a
teacher. They were married in 1963. They had two children, Brent and Mary Jo.
Tom enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1961. He was briefly called into active duty. He was
honorably discharged at the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in 1969. He was very proud of his service to
his country.
After leaving teaching in 1966, Tom began working for Field Enterprises Educational
Corporation, the publisher of World Book Encyclopedia. He began quite literally as a
door-to-door encyclopedia salesman. He worked his way into management and managed
branches in Bismarck, ND, Sioux Falls, SD, Albany , NY and Bloomington, MN. He received
several professional awards throughout his career there.
After leaving World Book he eventually joined Kathy in her business, Red Carpet Welcome
Service, from which they both retired in the early 2000’s.
Tom loved family, music,humor, fishing, hunting, scotch and soda, and a good cigar while
sometimes managing to mow the lawn! Tom loved being with and meeting new people, his
kindness and good nature carried on even through the last days of his life. His proudest work,
though, may have been that of being “Papa” to his 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathleen (Harmon) Mastel, their children Brent Mastel
(Kathy) and Mary Jo (Mastel) Barnes (Robb), grandchildren Jessica (Barnes) Boncaldo (Vince),
Mackenzie (Barnes) Gwinn (Chad), Blake Barnes, Isabela Mastel, Gabriel Mastel and Carmen
Mastel.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?