Tom Homme

Obituary

Thomas Edward Homme was born August 12, 1938, in Gaylord, Minnesota, to Thomas & Elizabeth “Betty” (Bregel) Homme. He was baptized as an infant and in his youth, confirmed into the Catholic faith. He graduated from Gaylord High School, Class of 1956. He attended St. John’s University before enlisting in the Naval Air Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1961.

Tom married Janice Elaine Anderson on September 21, 1963, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Gaylord, MN. During their 33 years of marriage, they were blessed with three daughters before Jan’s passing in 1996.

On August 26, 2000, Tom married Nancy (Jenne) Risland at the Gaylord City Park.

As a young man, Tom began working at RCM (Rieke Carroll Muller Associates Inc.) as an “errand boy”. Through hard work, he worked his way from the survey crew to Project Manager/Office Manager. RCM was eventually bought out by SEH which is where Tom retired from on August 31, 2007, after 50 years of employment.

Being a lifelong resident of Gaylord, MN, Tom was continually active in the community. He served on many boards/committees which included the Gaylord Jaycees, Gaylord Fire Department, Gaylord Rotary Club, Gaylord City Council, Gaylord Chamber of Commerce, Gaylord Housing and Redevelopment Association (HRA), Gaylord Economic Development Authority (EDA), Sibley East School Board, and the American Legion.

He found the most enjoyed spending time with his family as well as his many friends. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Thousand Oaks, California, attending any sporting event, specifically the Minnesota Vikings where he was a season ticket holder for many years. He took pride in being the announcer at high school football and basketball games for many years. In his later years, several nights a week, you could find him playing Bingo at one of the many local establishments or calling Bingo at one of his favorite places to visit, Neisen’s Bar in Gaylord.

Tom “Buddha” was known for being quick-witted, full of puns, and he loved to tell stories. He was never afraid to “tell it as he saw it”. However, to those who really knew him, knew he “wore his heart on his sleeve”.

Tom is survived by his wife, of almost 20 years, Nancy; Daughters, Julie (Bret) Brinkman of rural Gaylord, Amy (Wade) Kranz of Shakopee, and Jennie (Kevin) Radloff of Gaylord; Step-daughter, Danielle Risland of Brooklyn Center; Grandchildren, Mark Brinkman, Megan (Sean) Dietz, Kara, Emily, & Caleb Kranz, Weston and Ardynn Radloff; Three step-granddaughters, Kadie, Kayla, and Deja Risland; Great-grandson Milo Dietz; Three step-great-grandchildren, Devin, Kayden, and Caiah; Sisters-in-law Judy (Witt) Thalmann, Laurel (Robert) Ruhr, Cheryl Anderson, Joyce Geris, and Jill (Howie) Gilbert. Along with five nephews and one niece.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Thomas & Betty Homme; Wife, Janice (Anderson) Homme; Brothers-in-law Gerald Witt, Tony Thalmann, & Bruce Anderson; and Step-daughter, Dana Risland.