Thomas L. Foss - Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel

October 21, 1954 - September 18, 2022


Thomas L. Foss

Age 67, of Richfield, formerly of Apple Valley, passed away on September 18, 2022. Tom was devoted to his family and was honored to serve his country. He was caring, protective, funny, generous, passionate and humble. Tom loved riding his Harley, flying planes and volunteering to help others. Out of all the things that Tom loved, his girls topped the list. Being a dad and grandpa was his pride and joy.

He is survived by his daughters, Kelly (Nick) and Kristin (Justin); grandchildren, Olivia and Maisie; loving friend, Sherree Stratton and many extended family and friends. Preceded in death by parents, Alfred and Dorothy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association.




28 Comments

  1. Dana says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Chief Foss spoke so many times about his girls and how proud he was of them. Chief Foss was a gentleman, loved people, and had a great sense of humor. Chief Foss (Tommy) left an impression on those of us who were lucky enough to know him and call him a friend. RIP Chief

  2. Marge Boldenow says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Tommy was always great to fly with. He was fun and supportive of the Aeromeds. RIP.

  3. Sherr Abitz says:

    With extreme PRIDE the 96AS Intelligence Office were very pleased to have CMSGT Tommy Foss to be a member of their family. As referred by all Tommy, he was a kind, caring, fun loving, and a very knowledgeable personnel. A go to guy that everyone knew they could trust with an answer…even if it was with laugh after it. He will me greatly missed by so many of his military family, from commanders, officers, team members, as well as the civilians that worked within the units. He gave the same respect to all with…PRIDE. To his private family, with much sadness, we send our condolences to you all. Be very proud of your Dad, Grandfather, Uncle because he served the United States Air Force with a humble attitude, integrity, strength, and honor. Blessing to your family. God Bless you all.

  4. Carol Freerks says:

    Tom was always an advocate for the mission we had in aerovac. A great person as a friend. So sorry for his family and his many friends’ loss. He is gone too soon!

  5. Sharon Blalock says:

    Mark and I were ARTs along with Tommy, and both flew with him many times. Tommy was the chief loadmaster and it was such a pleasure to fly with him. He had a great sense of humor, so there was never a dull moment when he flew with the aeromeds. Lots of good times. Thank you for the memories Chief Foss.

  6. Gary Smith says:

    Fly High Tommy
    Will miss you

    I remember our days in the Base Chief Council meetings. he always added a special flair to our discussion. A valued member of the Council and the 934th AW

  7. Lt Col Jeff Gorman says:

    Tom and I worked together at the 934th…I was impressed with his knowledge and loved his quick humor. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with all surviving family members.

  8. Rick Klick says:

    Rest in your well Deserved Peace Tommy. Your well known humor and keeping things “light”
    in any given situation was tremendous! It was great knowing you during the many years
    with-in the 934th / 96th AF Reserve.

    Rick Klick “Klicker” — Aircraft Maintenance

  9. Bruce Medearis says:

    Rest In Peace Tommy. It was always a pleasure flying with you and staying to give a helping hand when needed and keeping a sense of humor when things got tense. My condolences to your family.

    Bruce Medearis- Aircraft Maintenance

  10. Irene (Reenie) Linc says:

    So sorry to hear about Tommy’s passing. He was a great friend and fellow co-worker. We have known each other for many years and gone through a lot of good times and bad times together. He worked with my ex at the VA Medical Center and in Supply at the Base and then with me in Ops. He stood by me during my divorce and my many moves in both work and living places. He will be greatly missed! My thoughts and prayers go with Sherree and his girls.

  11. Larry Snider says:

    It’s very sad to have to write this, but at the same time, it’s with great pride that I (we) have the opportunity to praise such a fine person. I had the privilege of working every day alongside Tom, for 17 years. Like everyone else that knew Chief Foss, we all can site a long list of pleasant memories. Tom was, and in no particular order, extremely proud of the Air Force, his unit, our country, but mainly his two daughters. Tom was the consummate example of a patriot, dedicated worker, and friend. Rest In Peace my friend.
    Larry Snider

  12. Tim Anderson says:

    Every aircrew member knows that there were those amongst us you could depend upon and a few (very few) who would bear watching. In my 30 years on crew there was no one I could trust more and rely more heavily on then Tom, both on duty and off. We all will miss this one of a kind gentleman.

  13. Maryann King says:

    I was sad to learn of Tom’s passing. He and Jim were loadmasters and great friends and flew together many times in the 934th – was always good to see Tommy when we (Jimmy and me) went to base events. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

  14. Joan Blazeby says:

    Dear Tom
    Our darling brother in law , so many loving memories of him , both in Minneapolis and on his aircraft visits to Norfolk Mildenhall England airbase . Where we would pick him up for the day and bring him to Norwich city where we live. Sherree Stratton is my sister . Tom has a special place in our hearts ❤️ Death Where Is Thy Sting

  15. Ross DeKraay "Roscoe" - 96th Pilot says:

    Tommy- ” the Best”- he left a lasting memory on us all- and no matter what, he was there for you with that smirky smile, a laugh, and a quick comeback. All of us have great memories of flying all over the world with Tommy. My best to all, his family and friends. Tommy is a true icon of the 96th/ 934 AF Reserve! RIP buddy !—

    Ross DeKraay “Roscoe”- 96th Pilot

    • Colleen Raskob says:

      I was Toms’s First Sgt at the 96th. I was very blessed to have, at minimum a wonderful resource for his Load masters, as he was Chief/ART, but also as a friend. He had a great sense of humour in working with other people and it was a lot of fun being able to participate on some of the trips we had. Some were a lot of work but he was a professional when it came to his job his crewmembers and his passengers..God speed calm winds..

  16. Art Wallace says:

    It was always a good day when you found Tom Foss on your crew list. Professional, active, initiative and a little humor defined his role on the crew.
    This was not a good day to find his name on this list. Prayers and respect to his family and especially”his girls”.
    Remember the stories of a professional patriot.
    Art Wallace

  17. Jim Nowak - 96AS Navigator says:

    Tommy you will be missed my friend. You were one of the first persons I met when I transferred in. You took time to introduce me to many folks and show me the Base. I remember our discussions about things that we held important, a gentleman and patriot. I remember your laugh and you talk about your daughters. My condolences to your daughters, family and Sherree

  18. Ed Loomis says:

    We extend our sympathy to Tom’s daughters and family. So many memories of flying with him and listening to his great stories. He was an excellent crew member who excelled in a job well done. Tom always displayed a positive attitude with a wonderful sense of humor; it was a pleasure to work with him. We wish Tom, Godspeed!

  19. John Quinlan says:

    My condolences to you all. All my experiences with Tommy were a pleasure. He was a professional and just a really nice guy. I enjoyed our conversations and he always asked about others family. We will always remember his cheerful smile. You served long and well Tommy, rest in peace.
    John Quinlan – Aircraft Maintenance

  20. Kimberly Butland says:

    Tommy was a great guy and loved by many. He held a special place in my father’s heart. I wonder what kind of trouble and belly laughs they are both having together right now in heaven?!?! Thoughts and prayers.

    Kim (Foss) Butland
    Allen’s Daughter (his cousin)

  21. David Fisher says:

    Tommy was a Fantastic Friend and Comrade for many years. He was awesome to a young crew chief who came from AC 130’s in 91 and taught him the bump and grind of cargo hauling and air dropping. Along with many other 934th/96th crew “traditions”. Always willing to listen and share many fantastic stories. I feel Blessed to have been part of that era of Fantastic Professionals. And Tommy was that in Every Way. I cherish that He was part of some my best memories.
    “It is wrong to mourn the Men who died. Rather we should Thank God such men lived.” Gen. G. S. Patton

    D. Fisher

  22. Rich Pavlasek says:

    Well Tommy, you are on the official and final “Fini-Flight”. My memories will include our flights, deployments, cross-country trips, etc with the 96th, and our work together with the Vets and staff from the MN Veterans Home. Great times. We will miss you Chief.

  23. Jennifer (Nill) Whorton says:

    So many memories… both as flying with him as he supported us Aeromeds and as the daughter of MSG Ed Nill who deeply respected Tommy. Prayers for the family.

  24. SMSgt Chuck Stemig says:

    We all lost a compassionate person and great friend with the passing of Tommy. I truly enjoyed working with him as he could always make you smile, not matter what the circumstance. It was a pleasure to serve with him.

  25. Doug Pederson says:

    Tommy, it was always a pleasure to fly with you. You will be missed for all that you brought to the unit, your friends and the Air Force.

    RIP, my friend
    Good Old Dougie

  26. Pat Rautiola says:

    Both my husband and I knew Tommy. We knew him through the 934th but he and my husband shared the love of flying small aircraft. He’d come to my husbands hanger frequently after he retired in hopes of flying. I got to know him more as an ART. He loved to take my new Aeromeds under his wing.
    RIP you have your Wings

  27. Tom Thomas, Loadmaster says:

    It is with shock and sadness that I learned about Tom’s passing. I feel very lucky to have known and worked with Tom at the AF Reserves 934th Air Lift Wing. Tom was the Chief Loadmaster with the 96th Air Lift squadron and I always called him chief. The chief and I went to a lot of fun places and did many fun things on the many 96th missions. Away from the Military, the chief would take me flying with him in a small Cessna 172.
    The chief was thoughtful and generous, and his devotion to family and veteran issues was admirable. I will cherish the memories I have of the chief and always remember that. “To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die” – Hazel
    Rest in peace, you will be missed.

Leave a Condolence Message:

Condolence messages are moderated by our staff and therefore may take up to 48 hours to appear. Thank you for your patience.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *