Thomas Matthew Willmus

Thomas Matthew Willmus, D.V.M. May 29, 1934 - June 21, 2026 age 92, of Roseville, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Father's Day, surrounded by his family. Born in Rochester, Minnesota, to Edward and Geraldine (Annen) Willmus, Tom was raised on family farms in Rochester and later in Rose Township, where St. Rose of Lima Church now stands. Growing up during the Great Depression shaped a lifetime of resourcefulness and entrepreneurship. Tom developed a love of animals early, accompanying the local veterinarian on farm calls and working with horses alongside his grandfather. He attended St. Rose of Lima School and graduated from St. Agnes High School, where he played hockey and met the love of his life, Rita Holl. Tom married Rita in 1955 while attending the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Following his father's unexpected death in 1957, Tom helped operate the family construction business while completing veterinary school - quietly demonstrating the sense of responsibility that defined him throughout his life. Tom went on to establish Suburban Animal Hospital in Roseville and Highland Animal Hospital in St. Paul eventually selling both practices to his colleague to pursue his growing interests in cattle ranching, banking, construction, and real estate development. He also worked with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, providing students with field experience through his Black Angus cattle operation. A devoted Catholic, Tom was also a pilot, farmer, entrepreneur, outdoorsman, and lifelong builder. Together, he and Rita raised seven children, traveling extensively throughout North America and creating lasting family traditions. Tom enjoyed traveling the world, camping, flying his plane, and spending time at Lake Josephine, Crosslake, Sun Valley, Marco Island, and the North Shore of Lake Superior. Above all, his proudest roles were that of husband, father, and grandfather. He found great joy in encouraging and supporting his children and grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and by Rita, his beloved wife of 67 years. He is survived by his children: Mark Willmus; Rose (Michael) O'Rourke; John (Mary) Willmus; Paul (Patty) Willmus; Teresa Willmus (Blaine Hebert); Joseph Willmus; and Bob (Debby) Willmus; his 19 grandchildren: James; Marion; Megan (Eddie); Ryan (Jenna); Allison; Adam (Maddie); Lila; Lydia (Nick); Thomas (Kiersten); Grant (Lynsey); Amanda (Jordan); Matthew (Leah); Michael (Katie); Ashley; Justin; Austin; Nicole (Logan); Katheryn; and Daniel; his 12 great-grandchildren: Oliver; Henry; Colin; Kelly; Levi; Fiona; Josie; Margot; Millie; Samuel; Carter; and Mariam, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 9, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 2048 Hamline Ave. N., Roseville, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Private interment will follow. Memorials preferred to St. Agnes School, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, or Friends of Roseville Parks. Tom loved trees, planting hundreds over his lifetime and seeing each one as a gift to future generations. Many of the mature trees that line the streets and parks of Roseville and the Como Park neighborhood were planted by Tom and his father.