Thomas A. Trotter

Thomas (Tom) Alan Trotter passed away peacefully on Monday June 3, 2024, at his home surrounded by the love of his family.
Tom was born on February 18, 1965, in Juneau, Alaska to Thomas E. and LaVonne Trotter. His brother Mark completed their family two years later. After moves throughout the US in his younger years, the family settled in Owatonna, MN when he was 7 years old.
He graduated from Owatonna Senior High School in 1983 and from St Cloud State University in 1988. He loved to put his English degree to clever use and complicate a conversation with unique words you most likely never knew existed. He married his first love Tammy Paffrath in 1989 and they share a son Thomas F (Tommy) but later divorced.
In 1999, he met his lifetime love Joni (Jensen) after she saw his performance in Biloxi Blues through The Little Theatre of Owatonna. Their connection was instant and love soon followed. They married in 2000 and share three beautiful daughters, Arianna, Alexa, and Alyssa Grace who went to Heaven in 2002. Up until his death, he remained Joni's most devoted cheerleader and loved to brag on her accomplishments. Unconditional love carried them for 25 years.
The couple made Greensboro, NC their home the past 19 years where Tom worked for VF Corp. as a self-proclaimed computer geek and remained on with their jeanswear division these last 5 years through Kontoor, Inc. In his earlier Minnesota years, he was employed at Wenger Corp, Viracon/Curvlite, and Wilsons Leather.
He enjoyed all things computer related, the latest NASA updates from his friend Jon, live theatre, disc golf w/Tommy, working through the daily NY Times crossword puzzle with his girls, last minute road trips, his Harley, the band Clutch, and a good craft beer. His contagious laugh was always the loudest in the room and will be missed. He preferred a small circle. If he let you in, you were his friend and he loved you for life.
He is survived by his wife Joni of the home, son Tommy of New Germany, MN, daughters Arianna of Raleigh, NC and Alexa of Jamestown, NC. His brother and best friend Mark, mother LaVonne, in-laws Martin & Darlene Jensen and brother-in-law Mike Jensen (Andrea), and niece Auden, all of Owatonna. He leaves many memories with his lifetime friends John Wheeler, George Marazes, Jon Redding, and John Schiltz. He is preceded in death by his father, infant daughter, and his grandparents.
His family wants to thank the Hospice of the Piedmont for their endless and gentle kindness as they cared for Tom.
A celebration of his life will be held at 4pm on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Michaelson Funeral Home 1930 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN. Friends and family are welcome to come and share time with us beginning at 3:00pm.