Thomas Henry Fitzgerald

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, September 21, 1953
Date of Death:
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Age:
63 years old

Visitation

Date: Wednesday April 12, 2017
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Thursday April 13, 2017
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Memorial Service

Date: Thursday April 13, 2017
Time: 1:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, September 21, 1953
Date of Death:
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Age:
63 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, September 21, 1953
Date of Death:
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Age:
63 years old

Thomas Henry Fitzgerald

Thomas Henry Fitzgerald, lifelong resident of Rochester, MN Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 6th, 2017. Tom, better known as Red, was born September 21st, 1953 in Rochester, the son of Catherine and Tom Fitzgerald.  He was the second oldest of eight children. Growing up Tom enjoyed camping in their family bus, spending weekends at the O’ Connell family farm, watching his Dad drive stock car which led him to become a stock car driver himself,  causing trouble with his many friends, and helping out at his Dad’s Auto Shop (Tom’s Auto Repair).  Family has always been very important to Tom!  He is a graduate of Mayo High School, later marrying his eighth grade sweetheart Colleen Fish on June 6th, 1972. Together they raised four beautiful daughters.  Tom worked hard for 35 years at a cement block plant.  Tom Loved playing softball, driving stock car and driving in the demolition derby. His weekends were spent with his family doing what he loved the most which was fishing and camping.  In the summer months he was sure to take his family on a vacation full of wonderful memories while in the winter months he always made the best ice skating rink for his daughters right in his backyard. Later on in life Tom really enjoyed watching NASCAR racing both on TV and live with the Love of his life.  He has always been Dale Earnhardt Jr’s biggest fan.  His family continued to grow over the years and in addition to being the greatest Dad he now became the greatest Papa EVER sharing so much laughter together with his 9 Grandchildren and 2 great Grandsons.

He is survived by his wife Colleen, and four daughters: Jenny(Steve) Jerviss, Angie(Vinny) Truong, Katie (Matt) O’Groske, Molly(Brandon) Geike, 9 Grandchildren: Ashley, Alexis, Arianna, Jamie, Jasmin, Alicia, Jordan, Lofton, Gabriella and two great Grandsons Isaiah and Colton.  Brother, Glenn (Karla) Fitzgerald, Sisters, Coleen Fitzgerald, Sharie (Jim) Sorenson, and Mary Ellen (Jack) Najar.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Catherine and Tom Fitzgerald; and siblings Joe Fitzgerald, Larry Fitzgerald and Rosemary Kantor.

Visitation will be Wednesday April 12th from 4:00-8:00pm at the Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN.  The funeral service will be Thursday at 1:00pm at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home with Rev. Joel Haak officiating. A celebration of Tom’s wonderful life will take place after the funeral at the Eagles Club.

Memorials are preferred to the family.

Condolences

The family of Thomas Henry Fitzgerald has received the following condolences.

Sorry to hear of Red's passing. Remember him from the St. Francis days. All good memories. RIP

So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father.  My thoughts are with you today and the days to come.  Remember all the fun times you had together as you mourn and remember "God has a reason."

Please accept my sincere simpathy for your loss. I am very proud to have been a friend of Tom and all of your family He will be missed by all of us that had the privilege of knowing him God bless all of you during this sad time we will pray with you this Holy Week????? 

Colleen and girls,


I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of Tom. Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you and hasten the journey of his soul to Heaven.  May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.  Please accept my/our sincere condolences.  May his laugh and smile live on forever in your hearts!


Hugs,


 


Jeff and Sheri Day

Was very saddened to hear of Toms passing.  It was a privilege and honor to have known him.  After high school we didn't see much of each other but when we ran into each other it always brought a smile to my face to see my old friend.  My condolence goes out to the family.  He was a good man.

i am so very sorry for the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather...  I pray you feel his presence with you forever. 


 


Kiersten Bretton-Billmeier (Brengman)

To Colleen and girls,


So very very sadden to hear about your Tom. It has been so many years since we have seen each other, but I will never ever forget you and Tom and the fun we shared so many years ago. Life has taken us on very separate roads, and it appears from Toms obituary, your road has been a very good one. I have no great words of wisdom here, just really wanted you to know Dan and I are both thinking of you this week. There are 2 bible verses I have leaned on many times over the years, maybe they will bring you some comfort. Rev 21:3 & 4. Isa 41:13. Gail

To Colleen and Family;


So sorry to hear the news and may you have our deepest sympathy during these difficult times, we will always remember Tom for his great smile and super laugh whenever we ran into him.


Keith and Marcia Seibert

Colleen & family - we are so very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy to you all.  He always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eyes & a laugh to share.


With love thoughts & prayers,


Shelley & Steve Dostal

Colleen, Jenny, Angie, Katie and Molly~ our thoughts and prayers are with you -- Red was one of a kind and a great man. Hugs to you all.

Blessings to the girls...Colleen, Jenny, Angie, Katie and Molly and to all his grandkids!  And to Tom's sisters and brothers and extended family. What a legacy! He fought a good, long fight.  He was so proud of his family and I'm guessing like Dave Pelowski said, there is a party in heaven this week. May he rest in peace.

Colleen, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May god bless you and keep you.


Pat Murphy

To Katie and all the family, We are so so sorry on your loss of Tom. Our hearts break for you and we will keep you lifted in prayer as you find the strength to get through this very sad and difficult time. Sending many hugs.

Our sympathy to your entire family at this time of loss.  May you all be able to find peace and celebrate a great man's life.


Dave Kinneberg & family

A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts, through us, they live on. Your father will be terribly missed. He was loved by all of us and he will be cherished in our memories forever. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Sorry to hear the news, Colleen.  I will always remember his smile and stories.  Hope he's ready for a reunion with Deano, Fudgie, Loras and all the others!

colleen and girls and Grandkids and great Grandkids I'm so sorry for your loss. Tom was always a great neighbor. I will keep you all in our prayers. Love Jolene