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Thomas “Tom” Gary Sausen, age 80, passed away peacefully at home on August 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on January 1, 1946, in Saint Paul, Minnesota to Myrtle and Meriel Sausen. Growing up on the farm, Tom loved to tinker on the tractors.

After high school, Tom went into the Navy. He joined the Navy on August 30, 1965. He was stationed in California. The tanker ship he was on was the USS Taluga (A0-62). On the ship he was part of the firefighter crew, as well as working in the boiler room. He was a Vietnam Veteran. He was discharged from the Navy on August 30, 1969.

In 1968, he started work at Bethesda Hospital. He started out as a boiler mechanic and worked his way up to the maintenance supervisor. He worked at Bethesda Hospital for 26 years. After Bethesda Hospital, he worked at Ebenezer Hall. Tom was the facility coordinator there. After Ebenzier Hall, Tom worked at Fairview in Wyoming, Minnesota. He worked as the building maintenance before retiring.

In 1969, Tom had met the love of his life, Bernie. They met on a blind date, which was set up by his cousin. Just three short months later, Tom and Bernie exchanged their wedding vows at the Methodist Church in Wyoming, Minnesota. This church became their spiritual home for many years.

Tom and Bernie were blessed with two beautiful children, Tracy and Troy. Tom took great pride in his grandchildren; Alyssa, Megan, and Maxwell, along with his great-grandchildren; Eric, Carson, Addison and Kinsley Jo.

Tom was an active and devoted member of his church community. He regularly participated in the men’s prayer breakfast and enjoyed being involved whenever he could. When the church hosted its annual  Fall Harvest dinner, Tom was always there to lend a helping hand. His willingness to serve and support; his church was a reflection of his caring heart, and his dedication to his faith and community.

Tom had many hobbies, but the one that he thoroughly enjoyed the most was restoring cars. He had restored a 1964 Corvette, a 1965 Malibu, and a 1969 Camaro, along with working on many other cars and motors. He also enjoyed making his own wine. Everyone who has tried his wine enjoyed it. At one time, Tom even kept bees and made his own honey. He also enjoyed being in the garden. He also built two homes that the family has lived in.

Tom will be remembered for his faith, his strength, and his kindness. He will be remembered as a pillar for his family. The countless memories that he created with the ones he loved dearly, along with his friends, will live on forever.

He is preceded in death by his wife Bernie; his parents, Myrtle and Meriel Sausen; his brother John, and his granddaughter Megan. He is survived by his children, Tracy (Mark) Broadbent, and Troy; his grandchildren, Alyssa and Maxwell (Sydney), and his great-grandchildren, Eric, Carson, Addison, and Kinsley Jo.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Monday September 14, 2026 at Wyoming United Methodist Church, 5459 East Viking Blvd. Wyoming, Minnesota. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon and fellowship will follow as we gather to celebrate Tom’s life and the countless ways he touched the hearts and lives of others.

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