Thomas Robert Eykyn

Obituary of Thomas Robert Eykyn

Thomas passed away peacefully on August 29 at the age of 78. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Irene (Amann) Eykyn, and his brother, Percy. He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; their two children, Joe (Kim) and Jill; granddaughters Karie (Kevin), Jordyn, Rylee, Reese, Bella, and Bryn; siblings Lucille (Ernie), Jerry (Judy), and Joan (David); and many nieces and nephews.

Thomas grew up in Wabasso, Minnesota, graduating from St. Anne High School in 1964. He then attended Mankato State University, where he played one season of football. In 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Jenniges, and the couple moved to St. Paul. Tom began working in finance and accounting at Sperry Univac. In 1971, they moved to Eagan, where he and Marilyn continued to reside.

Throughout his career, Tom worked through eight different company name changes and retired in 2006 after 40 years of service with Lockheed Martin.

Tom loved snowmobiling with his friends and family. He spent much of his retirement in Arizona, golfing and playing cards. He was a great storyteller and had an uncanny memory for faces and places. He often ran into people he knew while traveling, one of his favorite pastimes. He especially loved Alaska, visiting twice.

Thomas enjoyed Sunday drives, watching the news, and sitting in the driveway to talk with neighbors and friends, always ready to offer a drink to anyone who stopped by. He deeply loved and adored his wife, children, grandchildren, and family. Tom was a sincere man whose humor, smile, and larger-than-life presence were outshined only by his compassion and enormous heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 3 at St. John Neumann Church in Eagan. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a service at 10:00 a.m. His ashes will be interred at a later date.

In his memory, donations may be made to the Diabetes Foundation (diabetes.org) or the American Heart Association (heart.org).

Services will be livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@SJNChannel/streams