Obituaries : Thomas J. Brunson

Thomas J. Brunson, 68, of Spring Valley, Minn., died on Sunday, February 19, 2022, at Mayo Clinic- St. Marys Campus in Rochester, Minn.

Tom J. Brunson was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 24, 1953, to Thomas and Ruth (Murphy) Brunson.

He attended school in Des Moines and later moved to a farm in Minnesota. He attended school at Caledonia, where he then enlisted in the Navy from 1973-1981. He was a diesel mechanic.

In 1973 he married Pam Karloff and together they had a daughter, Michelle. Later they divorced. In 2008 he married Rosa (Riker) Mckenna at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

After leaving the Navy, he farmed with his father. Tom learned the craft of cabinet making and loved the work. He loved it so much that he started his own business, Tom's Finishing. He would make projects for the home he lived in and do work for others. When Tom wasn't working, he enjoyed camping on the islands of the Mississippi, fishing, and working in the garden. He also liked to can the foods he grew. He enjoyed the flower beds and would add new decorations without notice.

He worked for Nigon Cabinetry in Rochester for many years before he retired in November.

Tom always liked to joke around with his co-workers, and this made him happy. He knew how to put a smile on their faces. He was a jokester in all he did. There was a time for work and a time for play. He was a hard worker and loved to help those in need.

Tom is survived by his wife Rosa, sisters Cindi Lake of Davenport, Iowa, and Kerry (Ron) Meiner of Dorchester, Iowa; brother Tim Brunson of Caledonia, Minn., daughter Michele Brunson of Tennessee, stepchildren William Mckenna (Katie Montague) of Shellsburg Iowa, Elizabeth McKenna of North Mankato, Minn., and Tanya Mckenna (Jack High) of Marion, Iowa; grandchildren Zachary, Quinzell, Jackson, and William; stepgrandchildren Liam, Mckenna, Trenton, and Dakota; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, sisters Belinda Hatch and Sherry Brunson, and nephew Matt Lake.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cancer donation center of your choice in his name.

Services for Thomas will be held on Friday, March 25, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn. Following the graveside service, the family invites friends to a gathering at the Spring Valley VFW Hall.

Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.