Thomas Savereide

Thomas J. Savereide was born November 18, 1932 and died April 26, 2015 at age 82 of colon cancer.

Tom graduated from high school in Hillsboro, ND. He enrolled at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where he met Helen Smith. After two years at Concordia he joined the United States Army, serving two years in Germany as a field radio repairman and as First Trumpet in a Military Band.  He then enrolled at St. Olaf College, in Northfield, MN and graduated with a BA with a chemistry major. Tom and Helen were married in 1957 and moved to Evanston, IL where in 1961 Tom earned a PhD from Northwestern University in Physical Organic Chemistry. Tom then began his long career with 3M Company as a Research Chemist and continued in numerous management positions including 3 1/2 years in Tokyo, Japan as 3M Japan Technical Director. Tom retired in 1993. Tom and Helen were blessed with 3 children, Paul, Mark, and Karen. Helen passed away in 1994. Tom and Eloise Hetland were married in 1996.

Tom had a continued involvement in his community through YMCA Boards, United Way and Rotary.  Tom’s interests were infinite including:  woodturning, music, theater, travel, reading, writing and gardening at his cabin. A man of integrity, Tom was a mentor to many and trustful friend.

Tom was preceded in death by Helen; his parents, Rev. Cyrus and Vera Savereide; and sister, Pauline Vinyon. Survivors include his wife, Ellie; his family, Paul (Barbara) Savereide and their children Erik and Laura, Mark Savereide, and Karen Savereide (Jamie); and Ellie’s family:  Carolyn LaFever, Anne Papandrea and her children Rick and John; Jane (Randy) McGregor and their children Ryan and Sonya. Survivors also include his sister, Mary (Gary) Lunstad; brother, John (Leanne) Savereide; brother-in-law, Mike (Anne) Vinyon; and nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 21 at the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN. Visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 South 11th Street, Hudson, WI, and one hour prior to the service at church. Gifts in Tom’s memory may be directed to the American Cancer Society or donor’s choice.