Tom N. Huiting
Saturday, December 11, 1943
Date of Death:
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Age:
82 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday April 24, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: River Park Reception Hall at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Oakwood Cemetery
Saturday, December 11, 1943
Date of Death:
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Age:
82 years old
Saturday, December 11, 1943
Date of Death:
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Age:
82 years old
Tom N. Huiting
Tom N. Huiting, 82, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at Samaritan Bethany on April 1, 2026.
Tom N. Huiting was born on December 11, 1943, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Norbert and Elizabeth (Mangan) Huiting. He graduated from John Marshall High School and later from Dunwoody Institute. On October 30, 1982, he married the love of his life, Loretta (Erdmann). Together, they raised their daughter in Dodge Center before making their home in Rochester. A master electrician for over 40 years, Tom’s dedication, integrity, and mentorship left a lasting mark on the trade. He was a proud member of Local I.B.E.W. 343 and took great joy in training apprentices, ensuring the next generation carried the same pride in their work. Throughout his career, Tom took particular pride in his early work on the Alaska Pipeline. He was also a well-respected Apprenticeship and Journeyman Instructor for 17 years, sharing his knowledge and passion with countless students.
After retiring, Tom dedicated much of his time to volunteering, generously sharing his electrical expertise with others. If anyone needed help, he was always ready to lend a hand—often arriving with a trunk full of electrical supplies for any job. He was an active member of the AFL-CIO Retirement Committee and took great pride in staying involved. In his free time, Tom enjoyed traveling, going on bus trips, attending rodeos, watching wrestling, and classic John Wayne movies.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Tom especially cherished time spent with his family. Whether he was backyard camping with his grandsons, building forts, or attending sports events, plays, and musicals, his greatest joy was being “Grandpa,” a title he held close to his heart. He was also a fun-loving and devoted uncle to his many nieces and nephews, each of whom he adored. Tom’s outgoing nature and warm personality meant he rarely met a stranger—wherever he went, he seemed to know someone, and if he didn’t, he quickly made a new friend.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Loretta; his daughter, Candie (Dallas) Larson; and his grandchildren, Zachary (Hannah) Martinka and Jacob (Sophie) Martinka. He is also survived by his bonus grandchildren, Jared (Julia) Larson and Adam (Ashlyn) Larson; and bonus great-grandchildren, Beau and Hank Larson. He is further survived by his sisters, Sue Huiting and Betty Aufenthie; sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Bill Brennan; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Rosemary Huiting; and his brother, Jerry Huiting. Tom was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be deeply missed. Blessed be his memory. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Mayo Hospice staff for their compassionate care and for helping ensure Tom’s comfort at Samaritan Bethany.
A visitation will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2026, in the River Park Reception Hall at Macken Funeral Home.
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Condolences
The family of Tom N. Huiting has received the following condolences.
Love to you always cousin Loretta and to the family. My wish for you is peace in knowing Tom has left so many wonderful memories for all the people that have known him❣️💐❤️
Tom you are missed Brother. All those days working together and taking break were some of the most fun times in my career. I’ll miss your smile, smirk, laugh and wit. It seems like a week ago.
RIP Brother
my condolence to the family and friends.
I have known Tom since the early 1980"s and considered him a friend. He was a great teacher in the apprenticeship and journeyman continuing education classes and left a lasting memory on those who took his classes. It was always a pleasure to see him at IBEW picnics and award banquets as he always had a smile and a story. I wish Tom's family comfort during this difficult time and offer one of my favorite promises from the Holy Bible; 2 Corinthians 5:8 which reads in part "Absent from the body, present with the Lord"
Tom was the quintessential great guy. Always a pleasure to be around. He always made me feel special when I was a kid. He would take me fishing and entertain me with stories. These are such wonderful memories that will never fade. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him, especially his family.
Loretta, my heart breaks for you and your family. Tom will always hold a special place in my heart. Always. When I started working for the local, Tom was the one that made me feel most at ease with his gentle ribbing and joking manner. It wasn't long before I knew I could joke right back with him and no offense was taken on either part. He met some of my family and they knew, instantly, why I loved him so much. Other family members never met him, but the way I talked about him, they might as well have! They knew how special he was to me. My sister knew that Tom reminded me of my own dad, who I lost over 20 years ago. Man, if those 2 would have met, and got to visiting, I wouldn't stand a chance! - I have no doubt that they have somehow met in heaven and they're swapping stories about me and all the crazy stories and adventures I've told Tom about.
Man, I have missed him for a long time since he slowly became unable to stop in the hall and pull up a chair in my office. He always asked me about my hubby, my kids and my other kids (them damn goats! ;) ) And of course I'd have to tell him that Dave hasn't butchered them yet - and that would always make him chuckle. Like I said, Tom will always and forever hold a special place in my heart. It was him and Guyse that made me feel so welcome when I started working at the union, and when you meet people like those two, you just don't forget them.
Huiting Family - you have my deepest sympathy. Tom was one of a kind. I am so very grateful to have known him, and I thank you for sharing him with me, because I feel very fortunate to call him friend.
With love and respect - Colleen Marks
Tom was an excellent electrician and a friend to many of us. I think of the time when we were working at Saint Mary's, and my wife had a ramp pass, and we lived in Kasson and you, and Mike would ride in with us.
You treated me very well and I will never forget it a true friend to all and a genuine nice guy. Rest in peace.