Thomas Odd Moe

Thomas O. Moe (Tom) died on February 15, 2026, at the age of 87. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Odd E. and Ruth R. Moe, his wife of over 53 years Karen, his brother Jim and his sister-in-law Jan. He is survived by his children, Laura, Michael (Bonnie), Mark (Carey), Jamie (Joe Beck), Jennie (Bob Coughlin), Jackie (Steve Kramer), and Tommy (Marisa), seventeen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren (with a couple more arriving this spring).

Tom was born on June 3, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa. After spending the early part of his life moving from city to city for his father's work, including St. Louis twice, he and his family settled in Edina, Minnesota in 1949. To say that athletics played an important role in Tom's life would be one of the all-time great understatements. Tom graduated as a celebrated athlete from Edina High School in 1956, gaining both local and national recognition in all three sports he played, football, basketball and baseball. He continued his athletic success at the University of Minnesota, playing for legendary coaches Murray Warmath (football) and Dick Siebert (baseball). Tom capped his Gopher career by being named MVP of the 1959 Gopher football team and winning the 1960 NCAA College World Series with his Gopher baseball team, where he was a starter and key contributor. Tom forewent offers to pursue both professional baseball and football to attend the University of Minnesota Law School. After graduation he spent his entire legal career at the Dorsey & Whitney firm practicing tax and business law, eventually serving as Chairman and Managing Partner, overseeing a period of tremendous growth for the firm. Upon his retirement from the firm in 1999, he started his second career as Director of Men's Athletics at the University of Minnesota, following a scandal that rocked the men's basketball program. As was his nature, Tom made the most of his opportunity to lead the Athletic Department and was honored to give back to his alma mater. One initiative he was particularly passionate about was bringing football back on campus, where it should be. Tom was instrumental in initiating and leading the effort to gather support across the state to build the new stadium, something he believed was critical to the vibrancy of the University. During his lifetime Tom received numerous awards recognizing his excellence in athletics, business and community service, however, most important to him was his marriage to Karen, his family and his friendships. Tom deeply loved his family, and they deeply loved him. One of his favorite topics of conversation with his children was about the importance of remaining close as a family and supporting each other, as well as being a loyal and supportive friend. He not only preached this philosophy but practiced it as well, which was especially evident in Tom's support for his grandchildren. Regardless of whether it was a sporting event, concert or play, Grandpa Moe was there to support and encourage them, demonstrating how much he loved them, making them feel special and modeling the importance of family. Much of his family-first philosophy stemmed from the very strong bond he had with his brother, Jim, his first teammate. Tom's final years proved to be transformational, starting with a men's Bible study in the fall of 2021, which he attended consistently up until his death. In typical fashion, he challenged himself to reading the entire Bible before he died. While he came up just a little short of his final goal, he still received the ultimate gift, a relationship with his now Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Special thanks to Libby and the staff at Riley Crossing for their loving care.

A Celebration of Tom's life will take place on March 3, 2026, at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. Visitation at 1:00. Service at 2:00. Reception to follow.

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Eden Prairie Chapel 952-975-0400