Thomas J. Sebo

Thomas Joseph Sebo, 61, of Rochester, passed away on March 3, 2016, at home, surrounded by his loving family, following a brief illness. His passing will leave an indelible mark on his family and friends.

Tom was born on March 23, 1954, to Walter and Doris (Schuette) Sebo in Canton, Ill. He often said his childhood was idyllic; his hometown education was exceptional; and he credited his love of sports to his many coaches who stressed teamwork (a basic philosophy during his career). Upon graduation from college, where he played baseball for Eckerd College in Florida, and received a bachelor's degree in biology, he married Pamela Courtney (his hometown sweetheart) on Jan. 8, 1977. He earned his Ph.D. in molecular biology from Southern Illinois University in 1982 as well as his MD from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 1987.

Following a residency in Anatomical and Clinical Pathology and a fellowship in Surgical Pathology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Tom was asked to join Mayo's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology in 1993 as a consultant/physician. Known for his humor and humility, Tom never flaunted his numerous career accomplishments, preferring instead to make others laugh through his many practical jokes. However, his dedication to his career was evident. He was passionate about the Frozen Section practice, a method developed at Mayo Clinic by his predecessors that provided the utmost pathology care to patients undergoing surgery. His priority was always, first and foremost, the patient.

God, family, friends, laughter, good food, sports and old movies were the source of Tom's constant and memorable smile. Tom enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his immediate and extended family. He was a role model to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, who loved him dearly.

Tom is survived by his wife, Pamela Sebo of Rochester; his daughter, Courtney Sebo of Minneapolis, his son, Thomas Roy (Christa) Sebo of Stillwater; his grandchildren, Lauren Adele, Ellie Kate, and another baby girl due in April; and his beloved Lucy the Lab. He is also survived by his sister, Adele (John) Mullins of Crown Point, Ind.; nephews Von Hofstetter of Chicago and Thomas Mullins of Crown Point; and niece Natalie Mullins of Chicago. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Beverly Courtney of Canton, Ill., his brother-in-law, Roy (Kathy) Courtney and their children Heidi (Mike) Meyer, Clinton (Courtney) Courtney, and Rachel (Mike) Engelmeyer, as well as 11 great-nieces/nephews, all of Troy, Mo.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Doris Sebo; his sister, Renee Hofstetter; and his father-in-law, Vernon Courtney.

The family is grateful to Mayo Hospice for their tremendous care to Tom during his illness as well as the incredible support provided to the family.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, at Autumn Ridge Church, with the Rev. John Steer and the Rev. William Englund presiding. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 11, at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center. Checks should be made payable to NPDPSC.

Online condolences may be sent to www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.