Thomas (Tom) Albert Engesser left this earthly world to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Saturday morning, April 13, 2019. Tom was born to Margaret (Robinson) and Emmett Engesser in St. Peter, MN on February 9, 1952. Tom arrived in New Richland in 1955 when his parents bought the New Richland Star from C.W. Brown where Tom began his printing career at the young age of 4.
Tom was involved in sports in high school where he played football, basketball, baseball and track. He was a member and active in the youth group at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and was involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He was the first Eagle Scout in the New Richland troop.
After graduating from high school Tom attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. Following his years at Gustavus, Tom worked as a printer at Heinrich Envelope Company in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Tom received his Bachelor of Science Degree and worked with special education and at-risk students at St. Croix Camp in Danbury Wisconsin as well as at the Wilson Center in Faribault, MN. Tom received his Masters in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin River Falls and received his Master of Divinity from Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul. He was ordained into the ministry on September 8, 1991 and went on to serve parishes in Butte, Montana, Heron Lake, Minnesota and Shell Lake, Wisconsin. He also supervised student teachers in Special Education for Minnesota State University, Mankato. Tom was an adventurer, herbalist and loved nature. He passed that love of nature onto his nieces and nephews. He was a true conservationist. He had a love for music and was self taught playing by ear the piano, guitar, banjo, and trombone.
Tom married the love of his life Peilan Yan on July 18, 2010 at the family cabin on Lake Francis. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Peilan, his brother John Engesser (Connie), sisters Cheryl Kortuem (Claire Hovland), Sandi Jessen (Jim), his “big” sister LaVonne Meyer, lifelong friends Tom and Janet Scott, his Godson, Kevin Chen, his loving nephew and nieces; John Mark Engesser ( Jody) Heidi Lee (Ryan); Jeremy Jessen (Loukia), Michael Engesser (Michelle); Jennifer Keech (Tim); Gabe Kortuem (Kristi); Nathan Kortuem(Sarah); Eric Engesser (Elisa); Tommy Kortuem (Sarah); Ramon Pinero (Maria); Nick Jessen (Liz);Jesse Kortuem and many great nieces and nephews. They all loved their Uncle Tom! Also surviving Tom are Peilan's five sisters, their husbands and nieces and nephews of Shanghai, China.
Private family services will be held on Wednesday, April 17 with burial at Greenhill Cemetery in St. Peter MN. Memorials can be made to the ALS Foundation, the American Cancer Society or the Boy Scouts of America.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the many caregivers that have aided Tom since he was diagnosed with ALS. You added joy to his life.