Thomas W. Anderson

Thomas W. Anderson passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota with family and friends at his side. He was 82 years old.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky to Harvey and Ethel Anderson, Tom grew up on Hamline Ave and spent his youth in St. Paul, MN. He was a graduate of Central High School and the University of Minnesota. He met his wife, Darlene, while living in the same apartment building, and they married in 1972. They had two sons, Timothy and Michael.

Tom worked in data processing before becoming president of his own successful company where he created and sold thumb and handwarmers for snowmobiles, and aircraft engine pre-heaters. As a leader, he welcomed family and friends into his work, valuing both their talents and the chance to support those he cared about.

Tom served in the United States Navy for 36 years, including 2 years of active service where he was stationed on a submarine tender in Scotland. He spent most of his military career in the reserves serving in several naval intelligence units from Hawaii to Minnesota. He rose to the rank of Captain, and commanded a Naval Intelligence unit in Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, supporting the Air Force's Strategic Air Command. Tom's service and time in the Navy were a great source of pride for him.

He was a man of discipline who kept a well-manicured lawn, regularly ran the 3-mile loop near his house, and quickly tossed things that were left sitting out. His office was filled with self-help books, leadership articles, and quotes from Benjamin Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt. "Up and at 'em lads, there will be plenty of time to sleep in the grave," was one of his favorite saying.

At the same time, punctuality was not his strong suit. As many of you know, there was regular time, and there was "Tom Time." He had a remarkable way of arriving at his own pace, unaffected by the anxieties that so often hurry the rest of us along.

To those who knew him well, "gentleman" was more than a label; it was who he truly was. He was a fantastic listener who asked great questions that made you feel heard and valued. He was interested in your life and what brought you happiness. If you told him something that worried you, he'd remember it and ask you about it the next time he saw you. Tom was also the calmest person you would ever meet. He was soft spoken and never lost his temper. He was liked by everyone he met.

Three of Tom's favorite passions were golf, motorcycles, and Glacier National Park. The back nine at the Masters on Sunday was his favorite sporting event to watch, and golfing with his sons as caddies was always time well spent. The motorcycle bug bit Tom later in life and he could often be found sitting outside St Croix Harley making new friends while enjoying a hot dog. Tom would opine about his time in Glacier National Park at any opportunity. In his youth he worked in the park as a bellboy and as a "jammer" driving the famous red busses. He remembered every hike with remarkable clarity and was an ambassador for Glacier until the end.

Tom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis while he was in his 40s. He fought this disease with dignity. He never complained. He never said, "why me." He never let it change his demeanor. He was proud of how long it took him to finally need a wheelchair. He continued on through the end living his life with a smile.

Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Darlene Anderson, his two sons, Timothy Anderson (Kris Mauersberger) and Michael Anderson (Beth Buchanan), and his younger brother, Norman Anderson.

A celebration of his life will be held at 5:00 PM, Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Bradshaw, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear, MN. A visitation will be held one hour prior with reception to follow.

For those who wish to honor Tom's memory, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in lieu of flowers. A gift in his name helps continue the work toward better treatments, greater understanding, and, one day, a cure.