Thomas "Tom" Paul Brune

Thomas Paul Brune passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2020 from complications relating to cancer and lung disease, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota .

An outdoor memorial service will be held Saturday, October 24, at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Bemidji, Minnesota.  Facemasks and social distancing are required. Bring warm clothes.

Tom was born on September 10, 1952, in Bemidji Minnesota to Fred and Florine (Moody) Brune.  He attended St. Philips elementary school and was a 1970 graduate of Bemidji High School.   

Among his early occupations Tom drove beet trucks in North Dakota, built log homes in Northern Minnesota, served as a counselor at a rehabilitation facility in Bemidji and bartended at the Viking and Holiday Inn.  He was later employed at Thorson Inc. of Bemidji and began work at the Potlatch Corporation in the early 1980’s until his retirement in 2014.

Tom enjoyed life.  He loved meeting people, treasured his many great friendships and always looked for the positive.  He had a great love for his large, extended family, appreciated music, radio sportscasts, antiques, wildlife, classic cars and of course, motorcycles.  Nothing brought him more joy than a ride on his Harley through the backroads of Minnesota with friends.  He had his own unique bond with each family member and friend. His storytelling, endless wit and penchant for puns always seemed to leave us wanting more.  Tom was a gentle giant who could light up children’s eyes with fantastic tales and whose attention could make their little worlds seem bigger than life.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother and father.  He is survived by sisters Mary (William) Corrigan of Bemidji, MN, Judy Ferry of Grand Forks, ND, Kris (Brian) Ross, of Baxter, MN, and brothers Michael (Eileen) Brune of Grand Forks, ND, Richard (Carol) Brune of Bemidji, MN and Jon (Rachel) Brune of Roseville, MN. He is also survived by his Uncle, Paul (Red) Brune of Bemidji, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and cousins. 

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held in the spring or summer of 2021.

Guestbook at www.OlsonSchwartzFuneralHome.com