In the early morning of November 10th, Tad entered Heaven’s gates after a hard fought battle with cancer. Tad was surrounded by his loving family and by the prayers of so many loved ones when he took his final breaths here on earth. Tad was 67 years old.
Tad was born in Muscatine, Iowa on November 13, 1957 to Edwin and Mary Altekruse. The Altekruse family was well respected in the community as land producers and later business owners. He grew up on the Altekruse family farm alongside his older sister Nancy where his love of hard work took root. Even as a young boy, Tad was looking across the farm for something to repair or improve upon and he carried on this habit of improvement for the rest of his life.
As a young boy, the family eventually sold the farm and moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa where his parents owned and operated the Town and Country Motel and later the T and K Health Food Store in Waterloo. It was here, in the summer months, that Tad was dropped off every day by his mom at the local Pheasant Ridge Golf Course and his lifelong passion for golf began. Being such an active person, school was not always his favorite pastime but his determination moved him forward. Eventually, he excelled in college and had no trouble earning a Certificate of Business.
After completing his higher education, Tad went on to Detroit, Michigan to work for Electronic Data Systems (EDS) where his intellect, people skills, and amazing work ethic led him to success. Early on at EDS, his work provided the opportunity for him to relocate to Dallas, Texas at EDS Headquarters and he was soon promoted to Project Manager Specialist to lead a nationwide team of employees. The pinnacle of Tad’s career at EDS involved him leading a team on the cutting edge of new vehicle technologies in the 90’s and into the 2000’s. Tad became the go-to guy for the company’s most important clients and the man they called in when situations seemed impossible. Tad always delivered. To this day, colleagues still share their appreciation of him for leading under strict deadlines and heavy corporate pressure.
Around the time Tad started at EDS, he also met the love of his life, Vernita Moore, through mutual friends in Iowa. Tad still remembered the first time he saw Vernita walk through the door in a red dress at a house party in Waterloo, Iowa. From that moment on their love grew infinitely. Vernita eventually moved to Dallas to be with Tad where they married and made their home for the next 33 years. Tad lovingly welcomed Vernita’s children and loved them as his own: Haikima, Tanisha, Ka-Ri, and Mondus. The couple soon welcomed Tad Jr “TJ” and Taylor Raye to their happy family. Tad was a supportive and loving father who provided well for his family. He would attend the children’s sporting events, school programs, and award ceremonies. He also shared his love of golf with them, coaching both TJ and Taylor through high school and college golf.
In 1999, just a few years into their marriage, the family left the busy city and made their new home on 13 acres of land in the rural outskirts of the DFW area in a small town called Blue Ridge, TX. Tad would drive into the city every day to lead his team and spend much of his free time clearing and overhauling their little parcel of country in his free time. Tad was proud to provide his family with the best and create a space for life and memories.
In 2010, Tad not only was faced with cancer for the first time, but he was also laid off from his 20+ year career at EDS due to the nationwide recession followed by the news of his father’s passing, Edwin Altekruse. All these events happened within a couple months of each other but Tad, resilient as ever, wasted no time in despair and instead grabbed what was in his hand and made the most of it. Through prayer and determination, he overcame cancer and built a landscaping company from scratch called “Just A Tad Lawncare.” Continuing his habit of hard work, he spent the next several years working the ground with his hands, laboring in the 100+ degree Texas heat and humidity, and doing it all primarily by himself. Through his business he secured an array of contracts from private residences to upscale apartment complexes and more. His commitment to excellence set him apart from all others in a competitive market. However, it was the heart of a servant that made us appreciate Tad so deeply. He was willing to give of himself to ensure that others had something better. He did not think of himself so highly that he was unable to serve in the most humble ways.
After the children grew, Tad and Vernita were enjoying a new way of life. They were cast in a major large scale church production in Texas, they traveled across the country to see family, and made sure to be active in the grandchildren’s lives: Datron, Mikaia, Kaden, Ay’Jah, Million, and Raely. Tad also enjoyed the companionship of their small little black dog named Suey, who never left his side at home.
In recent years, Tad and Vernita made their home in Colstrip where the community welcomed them with open arms and such great love. He called Colstrip home for the past 4 years. The relationships and memories he formed made it feel like they had lived here for decades. He worked for the Colstrip Parks and Recreation (CPRD), for the School District, and attended Life’s Journey Christian Fellowship. He has so many good friends from these places and he loved them all dearly.
Tad was preceded in death by his parents: Edwin and Mary Altekruse and his sister Nancy Martin.
Tad is survived by his loving wife, Vernita Altekruse, his children: Haikima and Tanisha Moore, Mondus Smart and Ka-Ri Parrish, and TJ (and his wife Frances – his favorite daughter-in-law) and Taylor Altekruse, his grandchildren: Datron Hoosman, Mikaia Parrish, Kaden Chandler, Ay’Jah Bryant, Million Gipson, and Raely Altekruse, inlaws Henry and Janice Speelman, his close friends the Baxley’s and so many others in the community. Our hope is in Christ Jesus, the Savior of the world. We will see Tad again.
In accordance with Tad’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 15th at Life’s Journey Christian Fellowship starting at 12:00pm, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers the family asks only for your thoughts and prayers.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to:
Intermountain Health, Colstrip Medical Center, Liz Jensen and CPRD, CEI, Pastors Casey and Aubri Kluver and Life’s Journey Church, the host of friends and community who helped with the home repairs, Jeremiah Sopher, Stephanie & Hank Scarber, Joe & Jackie Baxley, Henry & Janice Speelman & family, Terri Currier, Jim & Becky Dobkins, Bruce & Suzanne Brown, and every single person who prayed, gave, supported and loved Tad.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday November 15, 2025
Life's Journey Church
Colstrip, MT
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday November 15, 2025
Life's Journey Church
Colstrip, MT
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Terry says
Tad was so easy to love!!
My thoughts and of course prayers are with Vernita and family as they walk through these times.. God is with you all and will hold you up! Love you all!
Dora Dennis says
Tad and Vernita volunteered to me move into my house after just meeting me at church. I will never forget that kindness. He was very well loved in this community!
Debbi Castle says
Our families were friends in Iowa. Our brother Randy(Butch) and Tad were best friends until they moved to Cedar Falls. We did visit them once in Cedar Falls and were amazed that Tad had a pet racoon tied to a tree. Sadly, we lost touch with the family and more sadly, we lost our brother in 1982. However, Tad was always in our thoughts as ” our blonde brother”. I was able to finally connect on Facebook with Tad when he lived in TX. When I heard of them moving to MT-I told him to pack extra long johns for his TX thinned blood. I can still see the Alterkruse farm from my house and will hold the family close to my heart. Prayers to all of you, hugs too.
Debbie Skiles says
Vernita and family,
Tad was such a friendly and kind man. I always enjoyed talking to him. He will be missed by our community. Thinking of all of you. Love, Hugs and Prayers.
Pamela SPANG says
I was very sorry to see he has passed. he is at peace now in the arms of Jesus, no more pain.
John Quinonez says
The first time I met Tad was right as him and Vernita came into town. I was working with CPRD to upgrade the disc golf course. I needed some heavy equipment assistance. So Liz, at CPRD, suggested I call the maintenance department. I called and spoke to Tad. Explained the situation. He literally jumped to help. He asked when and where, even offered to drive the brand new skid steer across town! I explained that we could trailer it.
Anyway, he helped me for several days, a lot of that on his own time!
During our many conversations I asked him if he knew The Lord (I knew the answer to that, but thought I’d put it out there) he said yes and that they were looking for a church.
I asked if him and his family would join us at the Life’s Journey church. I remember relaying to him that the The Lord is there. I also remember him looking at me with the neatest look, one in which a bit of relief took place. The rest is history.
I’ll miss you brother, thank you for being so good to everyone you came into contact with. I know you’re busier than ever making way for your loved ones in heaven.
See you soon, but not too soon!
Love You,
John Q