Obituary of Thomas Joseph Nielsen

59 years old of Lake Elmo
Died September 8th, 2022 peacefully at home following a courageous two year battle with lung cancer. Thomas was born August 6th, 1963 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Thomas is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Valerie (Kleinschmidt); daughter, Johanna (Joseph) Unzen; son, Zachary; grandson, Henry Unzen; parents, Edmond and Victoria (Olson); sisters, Tina McGurran, Ann Londrigan; and brother, Otto (Tracy); and many beloved nieces, nephews, friends and family. 

Tom grew up in Lake Elmo, graduated from Hill-Murray High School in 1982 and completed the Machining/CNC program at St. Paul College in 1984. He worked his entire professional career at Mo-Tech Corporation in Oakdale starting in 1982 as a shop cleaner and ending his career as the business’s President.  

Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing and being with family and friends.  He was an incredible outdoorsman, founding member of the Eastside Fishing League, a true Minnesota sports fan, generous with his time, talents and resources and a true friend.  

Tom was a humble, hardworking, “caveman” mold maker who got the job done regardless of the title he held. Whether delivering a mold, shoveling the sidewalk, or sitting on an advisory board.  If it needed to get done he did it. He worked hard and played harder. He lived life with no regrets or excuses, was known for his quick wit and was the Czar of nicknames and Northstar.

Tom was preceded in death by grandparents, Ida and Einer Nielsen, Olga and Jerry Olson; in-laws, Victor and Joan Kleinschmidt; sister-in-law, Joan Smith; and close friends, Rodney, More, Trimmy, Beav, Weasel and Loops.

A celebration of Tom's life is planned for 1:30 PM on Friday, September 23rd, Eagle Brook Church, 11125 Eastview Rd Woodbury, MN (visitation 10:30-1:30).

Celebration Dinner following the service at Lake Elmo Inn Event Center (3712 Layton Ave. N., Lake Elmo, MN) 

Memorials preferred to the Tom Nielsen Scholarship Fund at Saint Paul College that was established by Tom after being recognized as the 2018 Alumnus of the Year. Friends of Saint Paul College Foundation, 235 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul, MN  55102 or online at https://www.saintpaul.edu/alumni/tom-nielsen