Thomas Lee Tovson

Thomas “Tom” Tovson, age 74, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025, surrounded by family and love.

Born on August 22, 1950, in Detroit Lakes, Tom was a lifelong resident of the community he held dear. He attended Detroit Lakes Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1968, and later earned his degree from Dakota Business College in Fargo, North Dakota.

As a young man, Tom was a Cub Scout and a proud baseball player — from Little League to American Legion to high school ball. Later in life, he traded the ballfield for the golf course, developing a lifelong love of golf — a game he enjoyed for the competition, the camaraderie, and, of course, the quarters.

On August 30, 1975, he married the love of his life, Audrey Ogroske. Tom was a devoted husband, a proud father, a loving grandfather, and a loyal friend. Throughout his life, he wore many hats: working alongside his dad at City Transfer, doing bookkeeping and taxes for local businesses, and always lending a hand when a friend needed help.

Tom was a member of the Elks Lodge, loved traveling to Arizona in the winter to escape the cold and visit dear friends and family, and could often be found on his riding lawn mower, taking care of his yard. He had a soft spot for the family pets over the years and found joy in the simple pleasures: baseball, 1950s and ’60s music, and cooking a great meal.

He is survived by his mother, Ruth “Dolly” Tovson; his wife, Audrey (Ogroske) Tovson; his daughter, Sally (Tom) Shirek; granddaughter, Isla Shirek; and sister, Kris Tovson. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard “Dick” Tovson.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at David-Donehower Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. In honor of his love for golf, casual attire is welcome and encouraged — polos and golf caps appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Tom’s memory with a donation to Hearts in Action (Hospice of the Red River Valley) or by playing a round of golf — preferably for quarters.