Thomas H. Petermeier

1938 - 2025

Thomas Henry Petermeier, the sixteenth and youngest child of Henry and Elizabeth (Zirbes) Petermeier, was born July 19, 1938, at Melrose Hospital in Melrose. He grew up on a farm north of Melrose where he developed his love for nature, animals and a strong work ethic. Everyday started and ended with milking the cows and as soon as you were tall enough to reach the clutch you were old enough to drive the tractor. Tom attended country school, District 264, through the eighth grade. He attended and graduated June 1, 1956, from Melrose High School. During his high school career, he was a member of the football team where he played on the defensive line and was always proud to be a Dutchman.
After graduating from high school, Tom worked for Hanson Silo, traveling throughout the state building silos. He then worked for Markhurd Ariel Surveying, where he surveyed the new I-94 from Alexandria to Fergus Falls. His greatest venture with Markhurd Ariel Surveying was when he spent two summers in Alaska. He was proud of the work he did surveying the road from Talkeetna to Fairbanks which is now Highway 3. In 2021, he gifted his entire family a trip to Alaska to show them his work and tell stories of his adventures. After his surveying job, Tom enlisted in the United States Marines and was sent to Parris Island for basic training. He was proud of his military service and was proud to be a Marine.
After being honorably discharged, Tom moved back to Minnesota. He attended the University of Minnesota and then transferred to California College of Mortuary Science in Los Angeles where he received his degree in mortuary science in 1965.
In February 1961, Tom met Patricia Flynn. They were united in marriage at Christ the King Catholic Church in Minneapolis Nov. 6, 1965. Immediately after their marriage, the couple moved to Anaheim, California, where Tom worked as a funeral director for Hilgenfeld Mortuary. On July 12, 1968, Tom and Pat welcomed their first child, Shannon Elizabeth who died Dec. 30, 1968, of Addison's disease. On Feb. 10, 1970, their second child, Erin Marie, was born.
In 1971, Tom and Pat felt the need to be closer to family and moved to Alexandria in March. They had purchased Engstrom Maetzold Funeral Home in Alexandria. Tom and Pat began Petermeier Funeral Home on April 1, 1971, thus fulfilling their passion of serving families in the Douglas County area. On June 12, 1972, their son, Sean Flynn, was born, and the Petermeier family was complete.
After living above the funeral home for 17 years, Tom and Pat built their dream home on Lake Darling and moved in May 1988. There they enjoyed entertaining family and friends and living the lake life.
Tom felt community was very important. He was a member and past president of Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, member of Rotary, Elks Club, Alexandria Golf Club, Alexandria Police Commission, St. Mary's School Board of Education, member of St. Mary's Parish Council, third and fourth degree Knights of Columbus, Millerville Inspiration Peak Post 527, and Marine Corps League 1409.
Most important to Tom was his family. He instilled the importance of being there for each other through good, as well as difficult times, a strong work ethic demonstrated by his firm, fair but gentle nature.
He will always be remembered for his stories, laughter, warm smile and his true love for funeral service.
Tom died March 20, 2025. He is survived by his daughter, Erin (Chuck Andres) Petermeier; son, Sean (Janelle) Petermeier; six grandchildren, Flynn (fiance, Hope), Brionne, Shannon (significant other Alexis), Alec (fiance Taylor), Ashley (significant other Trevor), and Kaitlyn (significant other Abel); four great-grandchildren; brother, Bill; sisters, JoAnn Welle and Betty LaFriniere; sister-in-laws, Phyllis Deinema and Sharon (Gary) Anderson; brother-in-law, Terry (Kathy) Flynn; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Pat; daughter, Shannon; parents; six brothers, Joe, Richard, George, Delbert, Steven and Tony; six sisters, Marie, Eunice, Lucille, Carmella, Loyola and Jeanette.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue 10-11 a.m. Friday, March 28, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery.

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