Thomas 'Thom' Stenehjem

Thomas “Thom” Martin Stenehjem, age 77, passed away on August 10, 2025, in Crosby, MN, due to complications from multiple health issues.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home in Brainerd, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Hillman, MN.

Thom was born on November 9, 1947 in Minneapolis, MN to Martin and Helen (Sobieck) Stenehjem. He grew up in Minneapolis and proudly served his country as a Vietnam veteran. Thom worked for FMC/BAE Systems as a Contract Administrator, where his strong work ethic and attention to detail were well respected.

In March 1988, Thom married Rita and together they made their home in Coon Rapids, MN. In 2025, they moved to Baxter to begin a new chapter in life. Thom was a man of many talents and interests. He enjoyed woodworking, remodeling projects, and caring for his grandchildren as their loving “daycare.” He had a passion for coin collecting, baking cookies and animals. His favorite place to be was at the cabin. He looked forward to hosting the annual Fourth of July picnic with his wagon full of fireworks and watching sunsets from the bunkhouse deck.

Thom is preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Richard; sisters, Jeanette Myhre and Gladys Walus; brother, Donald Stenehjem; brothers-in-law, Richard Walus and Henry Myhre; sister-in-law, Cean Frost; nephew, Tyler Stenehjem; and parents-in-law, Dona and Ross Kutil.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; daughter, Elizabeth (Travis) Urang; stepchildren, Michelle Wharton (Jason) and D.J. Block; grandchildren, Mikaela, Jaelyn, Cade, Kristina, David, and Casey; brother, Ralph; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. G. Fain and all of the medical staff at CRMC for their exceptional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.