Service Information
Thomas “Tom” M. Harms, husband of Jody, age 65, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Hutchinson Health.
Memorial Service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson with interment at a later date.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one prior to the service at the funeral chapel.
Obituary
Thomas Michael Harms was born on August 20, 1960, in Algona, Iowa. He was the son of Robert and Roxanne Harms. Tom was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth. He received his education at Kiester, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Kiester Walters High School Class of 1978. Tom furthered his education at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Tom entered active military service in the United States Air Force on March 14, 1985, at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, and proudly served his country. He was honorably discharged on May 6, 1989, at Los Angeles Air Force Base in California, attaining the rank of 1LT.
On May 15, 1982, Tom was united in marriage to Jody Smitherman at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Kiester, Minnesota. This union was blessed with three children: Alison, Sarah, and Cameron. Tom and Jody made their home in Stillwater, Minnesota, before moving to Hutchinson in 2015. They shared 43 years of marriage together.
Tom was employed at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing as an Optical Engineer.
Tom enjoyed playing pickleball, participating in all kinds of sports, and spending time playing board games. He also found joy in watching and feeding birds and other wildlife. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family, grandchildren, and friends.
Blessed be his memory.
Tom is survived by his:
Spouse, Jody Harms of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Alison Gamboni and her husband, Ryan, of Sumpter, SC,
Sarah Cerney and her husband, Max, of Stillwater, MN,
Cameron Harms of Maple Grove, MN;
Grandchildren, Eva Gamboni, Mya Gamboni, Emma Gamboni, Lyla Cerney;
Many other relatives and friends.
Tom is preceded in death by his Parents, Robert and Roxanne Harms; Brother, David Harms.
Dawn Lindquist says
Tom will be missed! He was always smiling and happy whenever you saw him. Very pleasant person to talk with. Thoughts and prayers being sent to the family.
Kassim Dhanani says
A very good man. I’m sure he’ll be missed. We played table tennis at the senior center and he always smiled. A true gentleman.
Whitney Durbin says
Tom was always smiling and in a good mood. He would always greet you with a smile and Hello! He will be missed, thoughts and prayers to Tom’s family.
katherine luchsinger says
Thoughts and prayers be with you all. I worked with Tom for many years. He was such a kind and caring person. I loved to see his smile coming down the hall. He was an engineer who truly made each person whom he came into contact with feel valued.
I for one, and many others, will miss him greatly!
I am so sorry!
Kathy Luchsinger
Chelsey Khalar says
For the 8 years I’ve been in the area he was great to work with. He was always so nice and always had a smile on his face. So sorry to hear of his passing.
My thoughts are with his family and friends
Brenda and Kim Stevermer says
Jody and all family…prayers for strength during this difficult time
Brian Durand says
Tom and I worked together in 2014. As an engineer, he was always enthusiastic, detail-oriented and fully committed to project success. He held 3M Company in high regard, and I’m glad he realized his dream of working there. More importantly, as a friend I found him to be honest, caring, sincere, and always ready to say something positive. He and Jody were kind to my family and have a generous spirits. He will be missed.
Tom Stotzer says
When I was new to Hutchinson, I didn’t have any plans the weekend before Thanksgiving, and Tom was nice enough to invite me to his home to join his family’s Thanksgiving celebration. Tom made me feel welcome in this new town, and Jody and their kids were a joy to spend time with. Tom and Jody raised a wonderful family, and I hope to emulate their generosity throughout my life.
Kirk Kosel says
Love this.
Judy Hierlmaier says
“Tom had a way of making everyone feel seen and heard. He was a truly good man, and he will be missed by so many.”
Shelly Corcoran says
Dear Jody and Family,
My Deepest Sympathy to you all. Tom was a Very Special Gift to all his family and friends.
His memory will be forever in all our hearts
Al, Tanya and Katya Smitherman says
Much love and prayers for you all in this difficult time.
Justin Beck says
Jody I am so sorry to hear of this loss. I will pray for you and your family. God’s peace be with you.
Randy R Sewick says
JODY and FAMILY!
Extending my deepest sympathy to you, and all of your family for the loss of TOM.
Tom what was the lifetime true friend Whom i’ve known almost my entire life. I considered Tom family and a brother.
I treasured every phone,call conversation, and gathering that we had together.
REST IN PEACE TOM!
LOVE and MISS YOU!!
RANDY
THE SEWICK’S, RANDY and FAMILY
Kathy Whalen says
Tom always had a smile on his face and I enjoyed chatting with him while at 3M. So sorry for your loss.
Sarah Smitherman says
Homer and Sarah Smitherman
Jody and Family
We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious husband Tom. Keeping you all in our prayers. Cherish your wonderful memories.
We love you all, Uncle Homer and Aunt Sarah
Steve and Janet Meier says
Sooo sorry to hear about Tom. Just played pickleball with him Sunday night and he was always such a fun guy to play with. Will always remember his sweat bands and stretching before games. May he rest in peace – such a good man, gone wayyyyy too soon.
Linda Kuhl says
Tom was a wonderful person. I got yo lnow him playing pickleball. He ALWAYS warmed up his body before playing pickleball with jumping Jack’s, push-ups, stretching and then he was ready to play. He was a great competitor, but just as great of an encourager, always noticing and complimenting a great shot and a great game.
He always smiled, played hard, and was a joy to visit with. I am sorry for your loss and the loss of a great competitor and kind man in our pickleball community!
Colleen Steven says
Jody and family my heart goes out to you. Such a kind and caring person to all. He most certainly is in heaven with Jesus Christ and other loved one that have passed before. He will always be with you watching from heaven.