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Thomas C. McKenna Ph.D.
Thomas C. McKenna Ph.D.
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Thomas McKenna Obituary
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Layla Asamarai
April 27, 2024
Oh Dr. McKenna, how am I only seeing this news now
Dr. McKenna was so kind. He embodied the gentleness that I aspire to foster with my clients. I still remember role plays that facilitated and the kind curiosity with which he met others. May he rest in peace.
Holly Stocking (Tom knew me as Sue)
April 7, 2024
Oh what a delight Tom was -- even as a high schooler! So smart! So curious! So full of appreciation for life! He was one of my favorites. As one who has lost her own dear partner, my heart goes out to all who miss this uncommonly good man! (Susan) Holly Stocking
Alan Goldberg
August 4, 2012
I met Tom on my first day as a grad student at the University of Minnesota, where we were in the same entering class back in 1978. While I haven't seen him in many years, I fondly remember long talks with him where his brilliant mind, sense of humor, morality, and kindness were a wonderful influence on my personal and professional development. I learned of his death as I read the American Psychologist that arrived today, and I am saddened. May he rest in peace.
Joanna Hirvela
June 15, 2012
I found out over a month after he was gone. His intellect was only out-shined by the light of his soul. As his Teaching Assistant in Psychopathology, Dr. McKenna was my professor, mentor and friend. He relentlessly stood up for the underdog, at any cost to him. In my life I will fail to encounter a person with more empathy than him. I think that his life's purpose was meant to educate and further evolve the world through all the people he touched in life and death. If there is anything I can do for Kathy or family I would be honored to help.
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Skye Payne
June 1, 2012
Just got word of Tom's passing today and am very sad about it. We shared some very wonderful chats together at MSPP talking about jazz and about spirituality and so on. He was a very warm, human, accessible man and I am sorry to hear that he is gone. My deepest sympathies to all the family and friends who will miss him.
Terry Dinovo
May 21, 2012
I was just trying to make contact with Tom only to learn of his sudden death. I was a client of Tom's and owe him my mental health today. He helped me immensely and I wanted to share with him a decision I had made regarding the Episcopal priesthood. I am so sorry to learn of his death. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
May 13, 2012
Although it has been fifty years since I saw Tom, I remember him vividly as a bright and lively friend, always with a twinkle and a hint of mischief. My condolences to his wife and family, friends and colleagues. Karen Helgeson Dacey
EdinaHS '62
Nikolai Thone
May 4, 2012
As I sit here examining the knife you and i bought at our first gun show we went to however many years ago, and the first pack of yugioh cards you bought me as just a little kid I realize how much i miss you grandpa. Nothing will replace the memories i have of us when we would golf and just talk about things. Writing this and seeing how many lives you've impacted has brought more tears than the score i had my first time you ever took me golfing. I will always remember you and every moment of time we spent together, and not knowing that thanksgiving will have been the last time i have seen you saddens me. You were the best grandpa anyone could ask for and i miss knowing that when ever we go to Minnesota i will be able to be with you. My condolences to grandma and everyone in the family. You will always remain in my heart grandpa, and words cant describe the feeling i have without you. I love you grandpa.
Donna Pena
April 21, 2012
I remember Tom McKenna when I was in high school and he was a priest at St. Lukes. We all thought he was cool. He was the first priest I started playing music at liturgies for. He was always alot of fun and very supportive. I was so saddened to hear of his passing today. I did not see him for years and then started running into him here and there. Last time was a a graduation he was attending and I was one of the musicians hired to come and play. That was last summer. I was very blessed to know him as I was growing up and Heaven is very blessed to have him now. Adios amigo or......hasta luego.
John Darland
April 19, 2012
Having Tom as a Professor inspired me to become one myself. What an amazing person! Thank you Tom.
Samuel Dresser
April 19, 2012
Cathy,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Tom's impact on our lives, and especially Tamara's will never be forgotten.
Holly (Sue) Stocking EMHS '62
April 18, 2012
Tom was one of the brightest and kindest people I knew...and that was when he was only in high school! I ache for your loss.
Susan Greenwood
April 17, 2012
My sympathy to the extended McKenna family. I hope you feel the support of the Holy Spirit.
Paul Ellison
April 16, 2012
I cherish the time spent in Dr. McKenna's classroom. He was an inspiring teacher and mentor. My life was enriched having know him.
April 16, 2012
Cathy,
I will pray for you and your family and I'm so sorry to hear about Tom.
Molly Stack Burtle (Cary, NC)
April 16, 2012
The world has lost a wonderful individual. His outstanding mentorship made a lasting inpact on the lives of those he counseled. May he rest in the hands of our Loving Father.
Marilyn (Stillwater, MN)
Kathy Michael
April 16, 2012
Cathy, Carol, Susan, et al -
you are in my thoughts and prayers - much love
Fred Skarich
April 16, 2012
Conversations with Tom were always interesting and insightful. He will be missed by his many friends at the Thompson Oaks Golf Course in West St. Paul.
A very sweet couple.
Tena Satzer
April 16, 2012
Jodi Martin
April 16, 2012
Cathy,
Dave and I are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I have many memories of working with him "in the olden days" at Regions. In particular, I recall sitting in the basement conference room with the psychology group when he often used the phrase "on the whole and for the most part" to help defuse disagreements based on exceptions to the general rule. I have found that phrase so useful! Heartfelt sympathies to you, your family, and the special friends mentioned in the obituary.
Vanessa Ng
April 16, 2012
Dr. McKenna was a talented professor and an even more wonderful person. He is the type of teacher and psychologist many of us aspire to be -- warm, funny, sensitive, and intelligent. I will miss him.
Svetlana Dick
April 16, 2012
Dr. McKenna's warm and caring counseling has truly changed my life. His wisdom, kind smile and an unwavering sense of humor helped me find my inner strength as a person. I will always remember him fondly for I consider myself lucky to have known him. My deepest sympathies to Cathy and the family.
Tina Shah
April 16, 2012
Dr. McKenna will be missed! He was a great professor and person. He always had a smile on his face. His family is in my prayers and I hope they find comfort in memories of him.
Sarah
April 16, 2012
Dr. McKenna was a brilliant professor. His unique sense of humor made learning difficult material possible and enjoyable. He was a great advocate, teacher, mentor, and friend to many developing psychologists and psychologists in training. I will remember and miss him always.
Katie Wilson Murray
April 16, 2012
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. I remember Dr. McKenna behind his camera taking pictures on student orientation day at MSPP. He had a true joy about him.
Ann Marie Tripp Pendleton
April 15, 2012
I am so sad to hear about this loss. Not only did I have the privilege of having him as a professor my first year at MSPP, he was someone I felt comfortable confiding in when my family experienced a crisis. He gave great advice without judging. I never got to properly thank him. May you find some small comfort during this time of sorrow.
April 15, 2012
Keep the memories and look forward to the reunion in Heaven
Jerry and Jan Strand
Anne Gilbertson
April 15, 2012
The world has lost an amazing man. I know I that am a better person for having known him. He will never be forgotten. Cathy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilee Alexander Stevens
April 15, 2012
Tom was a very good friend in high school. I will miss very much as we meet this summer for our reunion. My prayers and sympathies to his wife and to his sister, Susan.
Bill & Julie Kempenich
April 15, 2012
Cathy and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We knew Tom for six years. He impacted our lives in so many ways, we cannot count. He was a man of integrity, wisdom, experience, generosity, genuineness, and caring. We are thankful to have known him. He will be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time.
April 15, 2012
Tena Satzer
April 15, 2012
Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm glad to have met you at Tom and Ana's wedding. I will add a couple of pictures that I took at that time.
Len Flesher
April 15, 2012
Thanks, Tom, for special times and memories growing up with you in Edina, weeks of water skiing on Starring Lake. You were always someone I really looked up to - the guy who had it all together !! Enjoy time with your God !!
Jack O'Regan
April 15, 2012
I worked with Tom at Argosy University and he was one of our most kind and dedicated professors. Tom was also our unofficial faculty photographer and always photographed all the incoming students, so that their pictures could be posted and we could learn their names quickly. He was also our resident MMPI expert and was always ready to share his knowledge of this instrument. Students loved him because he was so genuine and caring.
My condolences to Cathy and all the family.
Barbara Simonson
April 15, 2012
Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone. While many years have passed since I saw Tommy, I always remember attending his ordination and sharing in the news of all of his wonderful accomplishments.
Barbara Hohler Simonson, cousin and Eric and Joseph Simonson
Cathleen O'Leary
April 15, 2012
Cathy: I hope your many good memories are of comfort at this time of loss. I have recalled many good moments from when I worked with both you and Tom years ago.
Gary Schoener
April 15, 2012
Tom was a fine person and a fine psychologist who was very dedicated to his work with clients. This is indeed a sad event. To Cathy and family, we all share your loss.
Gary Schoener
Karie Gibson Madsen
April 15, 2012
Cathy and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful person. He had a brilliant mind and was a talented psychologist. He was my graduate professor, psychologist mentor, and my friend. I want you to know that his legacy lives on with the many students he taught and the many patients that he impacted. He will be missed by many.
April 15, 2012
My deepest sympathies to Cathy and the family. I am in Florida but I am praying for all of you.
Charlene Weiser
DIANA PETRICH
April 15, 2012
So sad to hear about Tom. He was a customer of mine and one of the sweetest men that would walk through the front door. Your family is in our prayers.
Diana Petrich
Owner, Perfect Ash
John & Janet Reed
April 15, 2012
Heartfelt love and support as you remember the blessings Tom brought to his family and so very many others whose lives he touched.
Tonie & Ken Boyle
April 14, 2012
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our sincere sympathy for your loss.
Mary Frank
April 13, 2012
Susan and family, wrapping you in prayer and thoughts and hugs as you journey through this very difficult time. With deep care and love, Mary Cooper Frank
Fr. Frank McNeil
April 13, 2012
My sincere sympathy at Tom's death. I remember with happiness the four years I was with Tom at St. Paul Seminary. May he rest in peace.
April 13, 2012
We are so deeply saddened by your loss. Wishing your family strength and peace.
Casey and Carol Trocewicz, Oswego, IL
Lu Ann Polejewski
April 13, 2012
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With love and sympathy. John, Lu Ann, Ann Marie, and Jack Polejewski
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