Thomas James O’Neill, 68, of Beltrami, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, November 12, 2023, surrounded by his family.
Born in Wadena, MN, Tom grew up and attended parochial schools in Staples, MN. Following his high school graduation, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy and at times, would share stories of his service aboard the USS Forrestal. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Tom attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota, Crookston, with degrees in Business and Hotel/Restaurant Management.
In 1976, he met Chrys, who was teaching in Staples at the time. They were married the day after Christmas in 1977.
After receiving his degrees, Tom joined North Central Food Systems and, within a few years, became a regional director for the company. Tom and his family lived in Jamestown, ND, Crookston, MN, Glendive, MT, Grand Forks, ND, and New London, MN, and in 2013, retired to Beltrami, MN.
Family meant everything to Tom, and his most cherished moments were those spent with them. When Tom was no longer able to work, he exercised his proficient artistic skills, painting commissioned works in the mediums of watercolors, oils, pastels, and chalk. His family is blessed to have many of his works.
Tom is survived by his wife of 46 years, Chrys; his son, Jared, his daughter-in-law, Jeanna, and the apple of his eye, granddaughter, Elaina. He and his son, Jordan, were great friends, and Jordan became his nighttime caregiver. Tom and his furry friend, Henry, the dachshund, were friends and foes all at the same time!
Tom is also survived by his sister, Karen Johnson, and her family, Stephanie, (Brandon), Darrin, and Natalie; god-daughter Jennifer (Matt) Marley and Faye; and Nicholas (Kendra) Reagan, Adalynn, and Camden. Tom had a close relationship with his brother-in-law, Bruce (Bev) Stromstad, and his nephew, Kyle Stromstad, and his children, Kylee and Dillion. Also surviving are his godson, Austin Haugen, (Erin) Charlie, Teddy, and Alice; his brother-in-law, Dan (Karen) Haugen; and his sister-in-law, Becky Scott.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Thomas Conlin; his beloved’ grandmother, Louise Thorn, his parents, John and Doreen Scott, his brother, Steve Scott, his aunt Pam Sather, his in-laws, Walter and Charlene Stromstad, sister-in-law, Cathy Haugen, and his nephew, Kory Stromstad.
Blessed be the memory of “Tommy Two-Shoes,” his pet name.
Graveside services are pending at the time.
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