Thomas J. Brown

Thomas J. Brown "Tom" 

Lake Elmo, MN 

May 4, 1961 - July 4, 2025 

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 4, 2025.

Tom grew up in the Highland Park area of St. Paul spending his youth running barefoot, riding bikes everywhere, fishing, playing little league sports, and water skiing barefoot on the Mississippi.

He was a graduate of Highland Park Sr. High, where he met Mary (Duszak) his wife of 42 years. He graduated Metro State University and began his 36 year career at 3M, first as a sales rep in Omaha, NE and Crystal Lake, IL. His product knowledge and leadership skills brought him back "home" to the Twin Cities, where he worked in Marketing, Sales Training, and then his life-long dream as Twin Cities Branch Manager. Finally, Tom's talents led him to National Sales Director. It is fair to say Tom loved his job and many of the people he worked with. He was innovative in his approach and was a great leader.  

Tom enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and loved boating, camping, hiking, and golfing.

Tom had five siblings. They are very close  and spending time together, especially up on Gull Lake, was a family favorite.

He was a loyal and genuine friend with friendships dating back to grade school and some brand new. He was a very likeable guy.

More than anything, Tom loved his family. He married his high school sweetheart and together they had two children, Kelli and Daniel. He loved being a dad - playing, teaching, nurturing. Many summer hours were spent on White Bear Lake water skiing and tubing. There was always time for “one more run”. He coached youth sports and was a wonderful role model.

His three grandchildren were truly his biggest joy. He always had a photo of them at the ready! A hands-on Papa who loved to read books, do puzzles, have a dance party, feed the birds, and have a good snuggle.

Tom was strong in his faith and we are happy to know he is with our Lord at peace.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Kelli (Jack Wawro); son, Daniel (Jessica); grandchildren, Holly Wawro, Jaxon Wawro, and William Brown; siblings, Sue (John) Berken, Laura (Gary) Smith, Dave Brown, Jeff Brown, Kim Rasmussen.

Preceded in death by his parents, George and Gerry Brown; infant brothers, John and Jeffrey, and special brother-in-law, Jan Duszak.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, July 18 at 11:00 AM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church (4125 Woodbury Dr. Woodbury). Visitation Thursday, July 17, 4pm– 7pmat O’Halloran & Murphy-Woodbury Funeral Home (8700 Valley Creek Rd) and one hour prior to start of Mass Friday at church. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, immediately following. Memorials preferred to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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