Thomas A. Bang

Thomas A. Bang, 74, of Hermantown, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, May 6, 2025. Tom was born in Duluth to Roy and Mabel Bang, on January 20, 1951.

Tom graduated from Hermantown High School in 1969 and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He spent the majority of his career teaching American History at Hermantown High School. He coached a variety of athletic teams during his tenure, but found his passion with girl’s fastpitch softball. Tom helped to establish a girl’s fastpitch program at Hermantown in 1978 and remained as the head coach for the next 41 years. His teams found great success over the years. The Hawks won over 700 games, appeared in 23 state tournaments, and won 3 state championships with Tom at the helm. Tom will be remembered as a passionate coach who inspired his players, always brought humor to the game, and occasionally helped out the umpires should they happen to miss a call. He dedicated a great deal of time to helping players to improve their game and off the field he took the time to get to know his players. He kept in contact with many players after they graduated and followed along with their continued life milestones.

Tom had a large circle of friends within the community. There was hardly a place he could go where he wouldn’t find someone to stop and talk to. He spent time attending sporting events around the area, playing old man basketball, attending the YMCA, and enjoying other local activities. Following his retirement, Tom would most likely be found at the golf course for as many months as the weather allowed. Tom also enjoyed woodworking and made many projects for his family over the years.

Most importantly, Tom was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He married his wife Jill in 1979 and together they raised three children. He was always in the stands for his children’s sporting events and helped with coaching many of their teams over the years. He put a great deal of time into helping with house projects and giving fatherly advice as his adult children established their own homes. Tom was a loving grandfather, and his grandchildren simply adored him. Tom and Jill had their grandchildren over to the house often and spent a great deal of time bringing them to activities and making precious memories. He will be greatly missed at their events as they grow up.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Sandra Hall.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Jill; children, Kyle, Jamie (Paul) McDonald, Daniel; grandchildren, Maisie and Grady, bonus grandchildren Emmett and Luciana ; sister, Mary (Irv) Stauffer; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be from 5-7PM, Friday May 16, 2025, in the Dougherty Funeral Home, visitation will continue Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the Hermantown Community Church from 11AM until the Funeral Service starting at Noon

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the Hermantown Summer Softball Association, Venmo or check (Memo Line- Tom Bang).

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.