Date of Birth:
Thursday, April 26, 1962
Date of Death:
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Age:
62 years old

Thomas William Hain

Thomas William Hain, age 62, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 24, 2024, at his home.

Tom was born on April 26, 1962, to Robert & Neva Hain in Rochester.

With an adventurous spirit and love for life, he made a name for himself during his time at Mayo High School, where his wild driving in his Mercury Cougar–-doing donuts in parking lots and driving through ditches–became legendary. After graduating in 1980, Tom met Margaret “Meg” Lettelleir in 1983, and the two married Memorial Weekend in 1987.

Tom and Meg shared 41 years of wonderful memories, including camping at Lake Bemidji State Park, road trips, fishing adventures, and evenings around bonfires full of s’mores and hot dogs. Together, they raised three children–Justine, Charlie, and Will. He always had a golden retriever by his side and never missed an opportunity to share his last bite. He spent decades working in the family business, Hain & Son Auto Body, where Tom’s love for craftsmanship and precision flourished alongside his father and brother Rob, a staple of 3rd Avenue in Rochester for over 70 years.

Known for his humor and colorful language, Tom had a way of making even the most ordinary moments memorable. Whether fixing a family member’s car, getting hit in the eye with a Nerf gun, or answering the phone–his quips brought the biggest belly laughs. He went by many names in his 62 years–but “Grandpa” was his favorite. He would do anything for his family, and he delighted in spending time with his grandchildren. Whether they were racing slot cars, playing Barbies, Jenga or taking them to the county fair he never missed an opportunity to play. His wife and children appreciated his handiwork and life lessons. He built gardens for Meg and Justine, painted racing stripes on Charlie’s first car, and coached Will’s baseball team.

He loved spending time outdoors, including motorcycle trips on his Goldwing and one on his custom-built Honda Chopper which sported his unique color he dubbed “eye blister orange” and sitting in the bleachers cheering on Charlie and Will in their softball games. He would close up shop on a summer day to fish for walleye and spent his late fall hunting deer with his father, brothers, friends, and, most recently, his son-in-law Derek. Tom was a teacher who passed along invaluable knowledge on how to properly hunt and process a deer.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Neva Hain; his in-laws, Charles and Carolyn Lettelleir and his golden retrievers, Jackie, Juno, Benny, Moose and Lily. He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Hain, of Rochester; his three quick-witted children, Justine (Derek) Roadway of Rochester, Charlie (Katrina) Hain of Plainview and Will Hain of Rochester, four spunky, energetic grandchildren, Caden, Makayla, Austin and Levi; and his siblings, Mike (Sharon Bretto) Hain of Kasson, Linda (Steve) Gilbertson, and Rob (Darla) Hain, both of Rochester.

His family will treasure his love, countless stories, invaluable life lessons, and the laughter he brought to their lives. We find comfort knowing he is now reunited with his parents and all of his dogs whom he missed so dearly.

A celebration of life will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan 2nd, at the Rochester Eagles Club. Burial will take place at a later date.