November 29, 1945 - September 16, 2017
Thomas Lloyd Thorkildson, age 71, of Clearwater Minnesota and Glendale Arizona, passed away, Saturday September 16, 2017 at his home in Clearwater.
Tom was born November 29, 1945 in Minneapolis, MN, and was the first child of Lloyd and Marge Thorkildson. He graduated from Bloomington High School in 1963, and then on to Augsburg College. In 1966, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and served a 2 year tour of duty in Vietnam.
Tom was an excellent salesman, and spent the majority of his professional career with Polar Plastics in North St. Paul. Additionally, he was also an entrepreneur, which in the late 70’s, led him to start his own business, Burley Products, which was also in North St. Paul.
More importantly, he was heavily involved in his children’s lives, whether it was coaching sports, teaching them how to fish, bringing them to Sunday School and Church (where he was a charter member of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury), or, in later years, offering life advice and being a sounding board to his two boys, and getting out on the golf course.
However, his most prized accomplishment was simply being “Grampa” to his 5 grandchildren. There was nothing that brought him more joy than simply being around Shawn, Joe, Madi, Andraya, and Scott. He wanted nothing more than to see and talk to his grandchildren, as they were his everything.
Tom is survived by his two sons, Mike (Christine) of Hastings, MN and Mark (Jen) of Elk River, MN. His five Grandchildren Shawn (16), Joe (16), Madi (14), Andraya (13), and Scott (10). His brother Rick, and his children Chris (Jenny) of Windsor WI, and Stephen (Seana) of Champlin MN, Jo Green, Sandy Smalley, many cousins, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and friend Eva Gadberry.
Burial at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial Service
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
12:00 PM
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Visitation
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
5:00-8:00 PM
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
My deepest condolences to the Thorkildson family ! Tom was a good friend of the Strohfus family. We always enjoyed his wit, sincerity and passion for life.
Tom was a good friend; remembering the fun times we had while living in Royal Oaks, Woodbury.
Fishing bowling, playing cards were some of the many things we did together. Our thoughts, prayers
and love go out to Tom’s family.
Gary & Lee Jorgensen
Woodbury
I would like to send my deepest sympathy and condolences to Tom’s sons and family. My name is Michael Tronnes. I grew up with Tom and we were in the same class together at Cedarcrest school, grades 1-6, and were friends and class mates the rest of the way until we graduated and we all went our separate ways. There were four or five of us that lived on Old Shakopee Road, took the bus together and frequently hung out together. Tom was one of the good guys, he will be missed. We were looking forward to our next class reunion get together in 2018. I regret that a time conflict and distance will not allow me to drive from the Chicago area to pay my respects to his family. I know other of his classmates feel Tom’s loss as well. Again my condolences to Tom’s family Sincerely Michael A. Tronnes.
Tom was a awesome friend to our family, we had so many good times together, we will miss him dearly, God bless the Thorkildson family during this difficult time Bob and Kim Buttermore
Tommy T, Tork, what a pleasure it was to know you. Infectious laugh, caring, industrious, great sense of humor, loving family man and thankfully our friend. You will be missed. Our thoughts are with the family he was so proud of and loved so much.
Gone but not forgotten.
Pete and Pauline
So happy Pete + Pauline, Tommy T. and I were able to get together in the last few months
for laughs and all the rehashing of the “old times”… You were such a great guy, and will
be missed by many. Prayers for your family…
Sharri Withers
Scottsdale, AZ.