Thomas Kaiser

Thomas Robert Kaiser

Born August 30, 1939

Died July 31, 2008

Preceded in death by father, Robert. He is survived by his mother, Virginia; brother, Gary; sister, Gail Pavek; wife, Deloris; sons, Scott (Holly), John (Amie), Mark (Colleen); six grandsons, Scottie, Daniel, Colten, Cameron, Alex, Marcus; brother-in-law, Jerry (Karen) Cousin; nieces, nephews, and many special friends.

After a courageous battle with heart disease he passed with family by his side.

Tom had 34 years of service on the St. Paul Fire Department, spending most of those years as an F.E.O. Driver for the Rescue Squad.

We pause here, to remember the life of Tom Kaiser, a man who took his life seriously enough to dedicate it to saving the lives of others. His boyhood was spent in St. Paul with his brother Gary and his sister Gail, mother Virginia and father Robert. His passion for motorcycling was evident when he was a young man and it grew to become an integral, part of his life. The hundreds of photos taken in practically every state in the country are a testament to that.

To be passionate about one’s life as a husband, father, grandfather, fireman, golfer and Great Lakes Fisherman is what Tom was. He found some reward in everything he achieved, even being at home and watching all the wildlife on his hobby farm, the years on the St. Paul Fire Dept., of which he often spoke of with a softened fondness. The deep friendships and true camaraderie he felt there were woven into the fabric of his personality. He always heard every siren or fire alarm and felt a small urge to respond, even years after he retired. A true leader, and man among men. This phrase, though sometimes overused is certainly not misused here.

To know Tom is to know a certain stoic pride. Tom had an air about himself and his way of life that reflected in his everyday nature. If the measure of a man is gauged by what he has left behind then one only need to look to Tom’s wife and sons and daughters, daughters-in-law  and grandsons to see that the measure of this man is far beyond average. He had a deep sense of dignity and made absolutely sure to pass this quality along to his family. The devotion and labor that Tom put into raising his family and caring for his home and crew at work, were not lost on anyone. The tireless nights and days spent working the tree business and Fire Dept., bailing hay, and all that goes into a hobby farm brought Tom and Dee to a place of retirement. This place is a home in Minnesota and lovely home in Arizona, which Tom and Dee were able to enjoy this last year.  Tom’s ambitions and desires were recognized to their fullest.

Each person has a particular stirring within when they reflect upon Tom’s life and his connection to them individually. These moments that are unique to each of us individually, are our personal attachment that we allow ourselves to summon when we want to feel the comfort of Tom’s presence at any time. This is truly our reward for having the privilege of knowing Tom, spending moments with him that live on within each of us.

The impossibility of summing up a great man’s life in less pages than are found in a novel is recognized here at this moment. The reference of being able to go on and on is absolute in this case. Some words that can partially describe the life and soul of Tom are chief protector, valiant, spirited, sporting, strong, composed, magnetic, influential, adventurer, loving, and a human fortress. Our dear Lord, please make way for one of the few, a husband, father, brother, son & grandfather. A "true" man among men Tom Kaiser. The world really is a better place having had Tom in it.

The family of Tom would like to thank the surgeon and team and a special thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at Regions I.C.U. for their tender care and support.

Memorial service 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at Elim Lutheran Church, 20971 Olinda Trail, Scandia. Family will receive guests from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service. Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.