Thomas John Kienlen

Thomas John Kienlen, 66, passed away in his home in St Michael, MN on May 18, 2024 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
He is survived by Frances (Fran), his constant companion and loving wife of 35 years. He is also survived by son Matt Bergren (Michelle) and grandchildren Blake, Bode and Sage, his brother Joe (Teresa) and sister Kris, and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Christus (Chris) and Marion (Myrt) Kienlen, and brother Steve, who passed away in 1981.
Tom was born in Mankato, MN on May 30th, 1957. He attended St. Peter High School. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Fort Hood, TX in the 2nd Armor Division. After serving, Tom attended Mankato State College where he earned his BS Degree. Tom was commissioned through ROTC in 1982 and joined the U.S. Army Reserves where he served another 28 years until he retired in 2010 as a Colonel.
Tom had many interests. He was an avid history buff with special interest in military operations. Family and friends relied on his expert genealogy research. Tom's other hobbies were reading and gardening. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren. He and Fran loved to travel with Maui and Croatia being some of their favorite places.
Tom had an active prayer life, rising early in the morning to pray the Rosary and read the Bible and most recently the Catechism. When he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer two years ago, he told Fran that "God must have a plan".
Tom was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4174 serving as their Grand Knight in the 1990's and most recently as the Faithful Captain of the KC Fourth Degree Christ the King Assembly #2649.
Tom had an endearing and kind nature. He was quick to laugh and would do anything for anybody. Tom will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 9:30 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church – St. Michael, MN. Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus members at 9:50 AM.
Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Superior, Wisconsin at a later date.
The service will be livestreamed:
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com