Tom is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Marcia Thole; children, TJ Thole, Christen Thole Ballinger & John Ballinger, Joseph Thole, Kevin Thole; grandchildren, Michael Thole, Mathew Ballinger, Olivia Grensing, Luna Thole, Sydney Ballinger; furever friend, Spitzer; and many other family members and friends.
Tom loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He loved having them over for sleepovers and baking cookies with them. He was an avid supporter of MN sports teams, especially the Viking and the Twins. He was a sports dad – he coached football, baseball, and basketball in Coon Rapids, and he is surely remembered by many families. He didn’t coach girls’ sports, telling Chrissy he couldn’t bring himself to yell at girls.
Tom was a plant manager at Nordicware for many years and enjoyed “going to school” after work – meaning he and his co-workers went to happy hour after a shift. In his retirement, Tom always had a project at home. He had a green thumb and enjoyed keeping the lawn looking like a golf course. He grew orchids and fruit trees, and lovingly protected them through the non-tropical MN winters. He and Marcia enjoyed travel and cruising in his Corvette to see Nascar races. They traveled to Orlando every winter, where Tom and Marcia enjoyed time outside in the fresh air in January, often accompanied by children and grandchildren.
He was a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, friend, and a hero to his family. He will be fondly remembered and forever missed.
Join us to celebrate Tom's life from 11 am to 1 pm on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids.
