Thomas W. Minar

1945 - 2025

Thomas William Minar was born February 26, 1945, in Rush City, Minnesota and passed away on December 6, 2025 surrounded by family.

He was the son of Stanley and Edna Minar and grew up on a farm in Pine City, where he learned the values of hard work and community. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Pine City and attended Pine City schools. After graduation, he proudly joined the Army.

In 1970, Tom was united in marriage to Suzanne Carlson. Together they built a life in Cambridge, Minnesota, where they lived until 2001 before moving to Sunrise, Minnesota. Tom dedicated his career to public service, working for the City of Cambridge for 33 years. His greatest professional legacy was with the Cambridge Fire Department, where he served for 32 years, 16 of those years as Fire Chief. His leadership, courage, and commitment to protecting others left a lasting mark on the department and the community he loved. He previously served on the Pine City Fire Department and was a member of the American Legion.

Tom found his peace in the outdoors. In the hush of the woods, in the ripple of the water, he carried patience, respect, and joy. Fishing and hunting were not just pastimes - they were reflections of the same steady dedication that guided him as a firefighter, a leader, and a friend.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Edna Minar; grandson, Dylan Minar; in-laws, Herbert and Hazel Carlson; sister in law, MaryLou; and brothers-in-law, Gene and Clarol.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; children, Mark (Wendy), Scott (Susan), Tammy (Jay); grandchildren, Brandon Minar, Justin Minar, Brittany Haynes (Caleb), and Joe Minar (Holly); great grandchildren, Xena, Obadiah, Lydia, and one on the way; his sister, Carol Babb; and many other extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2025 at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom with a visitation held one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place in the spring at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Almelund.

Arrangements by Grandstrand Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Lindstrom. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com.