Thomas McGiffin

1939 - 2025

Thomas McGiffin

June 28, 1939 - December 11, 2025

Thomas (Tom) Gerald McGiffin born June 28, 1939 in Rice Lake, WI to Francis Hugh and Alma Olga (Hjersjo) McGiffin work on earth was completed on December 11, 2025 in Proctor, MN, after a strong battle with Alzheimer's/Dementia.

Tom met his Honey-Babe, Gloria Mae (Edlund) in work and play at a barn dance and the two were united in marriage on March 4, 1972. Together they enjoyed square dancing, card club, attending countless musical events (many featuring Tom's beloved polka), and together building a beautiful legacy on Pinerose Farms, family farm on Norwegian Road in Stanfold Township, where they raised their two children, Todd and Sonja. Tom graduated from Rice Lake Senior High class in 1957. He thoroughly enjoyed his class reunions for many years. As a youth Tom was involved in Luther League, 4-H, attending the State Fair, and active in FFA.

Tom had an extraordinary gift for conversation. He loved visiting with people, learning their stories, and sharing his passion for farming. He welcomed visitors to the farm-offering tractor rides, hosting field trips, and teaching about milking cows and crop production. He also enjoyed learning about his Norwegian heritage and the path his ancestors took from Norway to Minnesota's Iron Range and settling in Wisconsin. One of his favorite places for quick getaways from the farm was-Duluth, MN.

Known as "Alley Cat" he became a two time State WTPA Pulling Champion in the 70's with his prized Allis Chalmers One-Eighty. Over the years he earned numerous dairy awards, enjoyed tinkering with antique tractors, and rarely missed the Hungry Hollow and Lakehead Harvest tractor shows.

Driven by hard work, family values and a kind heart Tom's greatest pride was being a grandpa and a farmer and the love of the farm that he lived on for almost 80 years.

In 1948, at the age of 9, Tom and his family moved from Augusta Street in Rice Lake, WI, to what became Pinerose Farms. At 28, in 1967, he purchased the farm from his parents and lived and farmed there until moving to Brentwood Memory Care, RL in December 2023. Most recently, he made the move to Diamond Willow – Arbor Rose Memory Care in Proctor, MN.

Tom is survived by his son Todd Thomas (Terra) McGiffin and grandson Nick Pawlik-McGiffin; daughter Sonja Mae (Allan) Carlson and grandchildren Adrianna Carlson, Ariel (Jude) Springer, Allana Carlson, and Austin Carlson. He is also survived by his brother Richard (Monica) McGiffin; cousins Doug (Cathy) Hjersjo and Sharon Nelsen; brother-in-law Allen Schneider; sister-in-law Barb (John) Rowe; many nieces & nephews; Godson Jason Nelson and special friend Lois Uchytil. Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents, his wife Gloria, his brother Robert McGiffin, and many other dear family members-no doubt greeting him at heaven's gates with lutefisk and lefse.

The family would like to thank Vista Prairie at Brentwood in Rice Lake, WI, Diamond Willow Memory Care in Proctor, MN and Essentia Hospice of Duluth, MN for their loving care and compassion that they gave to Tom.

Funeral Services will be held at 2PM Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake (where Tom was Baptized, Confirmed and Married), Rev. Sue Eidahl officiating. Friends may call from Noon-2PM Thursday at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake. A lunch and time of shared remembrance will follow in the church fellowship hall after the burial. Appleyard's Home for Funerals in Rice Lake is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks-just as Tom would have-that you take a moment to call a neighbor or friend, or stop by for a visit, perhaps during a quiet drive to appreciate the beauty of God's countryside.

Memorials are honored and appreciated to the Bethany Radio Fund, as Tom would faithfully listen to the Sunday morning broadcast with his cows. Memorials may also be directed to Hungry Hollow Steam and Gas Engine Club in gratitude for the memories he made there.