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Obituary for Thomas Walter Reese
Thomas W. Reese, 89, of Mound MN passed away Tuesday May 15th at Methodist Hospital. He was born in Madison Wisconsin on February 19, 1929 the youngest of five children. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Bernard (Ruth) Reese, James (Anita) Reese, John Reese; sister, Helen (Dean) Pryor; and son in law, Scott Paschka. He married Amy Haag of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin in August of 1949. They had five children: Janet Mohrman (Bill), Andrew (Susan), Kathy Gerlach (Jim), Amy Jane Paschka (Scott), and Christina Reese (Denny Strunc); the grandfather of fifteen grandchildren, and great grandfather of eleven. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Patty Reese
Reese relocated to Mound in 1967 where he served as plant manager for Tonka Toys. He later worked at General Mills, serving as project manager in the construction of food production plants in several locations nationwide. He served on the Richfield City Council; was a past member of the Mound Planning Commission and the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District where he was instrumental in bringing about the current invasive weed harvesting program. He loved the lake and was a dedicated water skier into his seventies. He was renowned worldwide for his expertise and encyclopedic knowledge of pre-1920’s automobiles having restored dozens of them to prize winning status. He wrote a restoration column for many years in a leading antique car journal, and served as past president of the national organization. Tom was a retired military veteran having served in the Korean War, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving as past commander for the 367th Engineer Combat Battalion at Ft. Snelling. He was active in AA for 30 years and sponsored a number of young men who have gone on to successful lives. In the last few years his AA meeting became a highlight of his week.
He and Amy were long-time members of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mound. Services are planned for 4PM Wednesday, June 13th at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, with a visitation beginning at 3PM.
Reese relocated to Mound in 1967 where he served as plant manager for Tonka Toys. He later worked at General Mills, serving as project manager in the construction of food production plants in several locations nationwide. He served on the Richfield City Council; was a past member of the Mound Planning Commission and the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District where he was instrumental in bringing about the current invasive weed harvesting program. He loved the lake and was a dedicated water skier into his seventies. He was renowned worldwide for his expertise and encyclopedic knowledge of pre-1920’s automobiles having restored dozens of them to prize winning status. He wrote a restoration column for many years in a leading antique car journal, and served as past president of the national organization. Tom was a retired military veteran having served in the Korean War, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving as past commander for the 367th Engineer Combat Battalion at Ft. Snelling. He was active in AA for 30 years and sponsored a number of young men who have gone on to successful lives. In the last few years his AA meeting became a highlight of his week.
He and Amy were long-time members of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mound. Services are planned for 4PM Wednesday, June 13th at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, with a visitation beginning at 3PM.