Thomas Edward Burnett, Sr.

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Burnett, Thomas Edward, Sr. beloved husband, father, grandfather, great papa, teacher, friend, and champion for justice, died February 24, 2023, at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. We mourn the loss of his warm and infectious laugh, his gift of gracious hospitality, his capacious mind brimming with ideas, opinions, and endless stories, and his abiding love for his family. Born in Mason City, Iowa, Tom attended Holy Family school and Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa. The Korean War interrupted his studies; he volunteered and served in the 25th infantry division. On leave, Tom married Beverly Roberts on Feb 13, 1953. When he returned from Korea, they moved to Minneapolis, and he earned a BS degree from the University of MN. Making Bloomington their home for more than 50 years, Tom and Beverly raised three children, Martha, Tom Jr., and Mary Margaret. They were founding members of St. Edwards Catholic Church, enjoyed friendships and golf at the Minnesota Valley Country Club, and most importantly, were central in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Tom was passionate about teaching and his students. He taught English and ESL in Richfield and founded the Minnesota Reading Center, teaching efficient reading to adults across the Twin Cities, and to teens at Camp Lincoln in Nisswa, MN. Often a favorite teacher, past students have sought out Tom to tell him the difference he made in their lives. Although education and learning were central to Tom's life, he wasn't bookish. He loved the outdoors and planned many hunting, fishing, canoeing, and tree planting trips on his land in WI. Warm, gregarious, and engaging, Tom loved people. Tom was often found listening to, and telling stories. He was keenly interested in hearing about the lives of others, particularly young people, and most especially his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He delighted in their achievements and always offered love, praise, advice, and encouragement. After his son, Tom Jr. was killed on Sept. 11, 2001, Tom Sr. became a recognized voice for justice. On behalf of his family, survivors, and family members of victims of the 9/11 attacks, he initiated efforts to hold terrorists and those who funded terrorism, accountable for their actions. He also served on the committee to plan the 9/11 National Memorial in Shanksville. Believing the best way to fight terrorism is through education and active citizenship, he and Beverly established the Tom Burnett Leadership Program and the Tom Burnett Scholarship at the Carlson School of Mgmt at the U of M, a scholarship at St. John's University, and scholarships for Bloomington HS seniors. Tom is preceded in death by his son, Thomas Edward Jr (Deena), his wife, Beverly A. Roberts; parents, John J. Burnett, Margaret Siesseger Burnett; brothers, John J, William, Patrick, Joseph; life-long friend, Msgr. Joe Slepicka. He is survived by his daughters, Martha (Michael) Pettee, Mary Margaret (Chad) Jurgens; grandchildren, Loren O'Brien, Kathleen (Dan) West, Devin (Stephanie) O'Brien, Mariah (David) Jacobson, Mary Margaret (Shea) McAdaragh, Halley Burnett, Madison (Kirk) Dettmer, Ben Pettee, Anna Clare Burnett, Emily Jurgens, Meghan Jurgens; great-grandchildren, Shef, Mac, Owen, Rory, Quinn, Reese, Ellis, Ronan, Evelyn, Maeve. These beautiful people, and those descendants yet to be born, are a legacy that filled Tom with wonder, humility, deep pride, and love. We are indebted to the caregivers at the Minneapolis Veterans Home, especially the nurses and HSTs on 21-3 for their compassionate and loving care of Tom over the last 4 years as well as the amazing team at Grace Hospice. Funeral services will be held on March 15, 10 a m, St. Edward's Catholic Church, Bloomington, MN. Visitation at the church at 9 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to The Tom Burnett Jr. Scholarship at the Carlson School of Management. z.umn.edu/…

Published on March 12, 2023