Thomas Temple

Thomas "Tom" Loren Temple, 62, of Shakopee, MN, passed away on December 20, 2025.
Born on November 6, 1963, in Madison, WI, to Elsworth and Rosemary (Filardo) Temple. Tom was raised in Monona, WI, and graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1981. Tom went on to attend UW–Platteville and Madison Area Technical College, and later received his bachelor's degree from UW–Stout. He began his career teaching at the Wisconsin School of Electronics.
Tom met the love of his life, Shari Dieckman, and they were married on October 6, 1990, in Mondovi, WI. His position with Laser Master led to a move to Eden Prairie, MN. After leaving Laser Master, Tom worked for WamNet, Pitney Bowes, and Frontier. More recently, he obtained his real estate license and joined Keller Williams. He also earned his CDL, which enabled him to drive school bus for the Shakopee and Burnsville school districts. He found tremendous joy in safely transporting children to and from school.
Exceptionally skilled in technology, mechanics, hands-on-projects and dog training, Tom had a lifelong love of learning. He had a passion for photography and enjoyed capturing memories during his travels with Shari. Tom taught himself how to use a 3D printer and was very creative, even printing toys for his grandchildren.
Tom had a love for animals from an early age. Despite being raised a "city boy," he treasured the time he spent on the Dieckman family farm. His passion for animals led to a special love for German Shepherds. That passion led to a special bond with his two German Shepherds, whom he trained in the sport of Schutzhund.
Tom was a loving, dedicated father and was incredibly proud of his two sons, Ryan (31) and Loren (28). When they were young, he encouraged their interest in soccer and became a coach. Throughout their lives, Tom continued to support their interests, goals, and career paths, generously sharing his time and knowledge.
Everyone who spent time with Tom recognized his wonderful sense of humor and positive outlook on life. He was always just a phone call away when someone needed help. His memory will live on in our hearts.
Survivors include his wife, Shari; sons, Ryan (Leah), and Loren (Hailey); grandchildren, Silas and Magnolia, and Landon and Zoey; brother and sisters, David, Sandra (Robert) Vitense, and Vicki (David) Burritt; mother-in-law, Karen Dieckman; brother-in-law, Tim Dieckman; sisters-in-law, Krista (John) DeWitt, and Staci Paschke; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces/nephews; and finally, he is survived by his beloved dogs, Rika and Fedor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elsworth and Rosemary; and father-in-law, Darrell Dieckman.
Funeral services will be held at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Ave. East, Shakopee: Visitation Friday, January 16, 2026, from 4-7 PM; additional visitation Saturday, January 17, from 10-11 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11 AM.