Gene Leo Thom

An angel earned his wings and the world gained a legend. Gene Leo Thom, the man, the myth, the legend, passed away on June 16, 2020 at the age of 84, while holding the hand of Pat, his wife of 62 years. Gene was born August 28, 1935 in Hinckley, MN to Ed and Florence (Brown) Thom, who preceded him in death, along with granddaughter Ava Standal, his sister Helen Olson, brothers Manley, Don, Verne and Gerry, and in-laws Gregory and Gert Sullivan. Gene was dad to many and friend to many more. He made a big impression on every person he met. His sense of humor, his ability to tell jokes and stories, and his love of mischief endeared him to many. Gene graduated from Pine City High School and moved to “The Cities,” residing in Blaine for 40 years. On May 10, 1958, Gene married his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Sullivan, at the Church of St. Agnes in St. Paul, MN. Gene was a delivery driver for Burgess Beckwith/Burgess Publishing and the Wallace Carlson Company. No one worked harder than Gene and no one knew better how to have a good time when the work was done. He kept up with all of his kids and their friends, neighbors, friends and his large extended family. Gene enjoyed visiting with anyone and everyone. He looked forward to being able to return to Pine City and Hinckley to visit friends and family, to camp on “The Land” or to deer hunt – no deer were hurt by Gene on those ventures. We will miss his sense of humor, his quick wit and one-liners, his soft side for kids and animals and his presence that can never be matched. Gene didn’t have money, but he had faith and family, so he was one of the richest men in the world. Gene and Pat raised 14 children. He is survived by all of them: Debbie Stevens (Scott), Anne Marie (Randy King), Jeanine Grimmer (Ray), Bob (Vanetta), Lori Hanowski (Dan), Gerald (Sharon), Michelle, James, Janet Smith (Paul), Jody, Joseph (Sarah), David (Emily), Brenda (Gabe Schlake), Theresa Egan (Robb). Gene is survived by 30 grandchildren: Cecilia Stevens, Bethany Esse, Catherine Ramnarain, Danny Grimmer, Alison McSweeny, Cara Grimmer, Drew Grimmer, Andrew Thom, Kyle Thom, Jenna Thom, Samantha Hanowski, Collin Hanowski, Alexa Hanowski, Christian Hanowski, Gretchen Thom, Isobel McCafferty, Anna Smith de Yoma, Maddie Smith, Emily Smith, Jack Standal, Phoebe Standal, Hunter Thom, Tanner Thom, Hayden Thom, Rowan Thom, Griffin Thom, Harper Thom, Courtney Blake, Morgan Blake and Cooper McCalister. Also six great-grandchildren: Landon Thom, Anthony, Gabriel and Mileena Ramnarain, Nora McSweeny and Gavin Grimmer. Gene is also survived by his sister, Carol King, many dear nieces, nephews and friends, and Bob and Pat Miller and family of Hastings. Gene’s legacy is his family and he was proud of every kid, grandkid and great-grandkid he had. Due to COVID-19, a mass of Christian burial will take place on June 22 with immediate family only in attendance. A larger celebration of Gene’s life and legacy will be held at a later date. Gene’s family would like to thank the Allina Hospice team, especially Kathy Krekelberg, Julie Werner and Sandy McCracken-Rootes for their care. Gene lived to enjoy many more days because of you. Memorials to Sharing and Caring Hands (sharingandcaringhands.org) and to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (stpatrick-luke.org).

Tributes

Gene Leo Thom

August 27, 1935 - June 16, 2020

Tributes

Gene Leo Thom

August 27, 1935 - June 16, 2020

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