Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Thomas L. Arms

FUNERAL HOME

Gill Brothers Funeral Directors - Southwest

5801 S Lyndale Avenue

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Thomas Arms Obituary

Arms, Thomas L.
On Friday, October 28th at 9:15 PM Tom passed away peacefully into Heaven surrounded by his family. Tom is survived by Judy Edwards Arms, his loved and loving wife and constant companion of 43 years. Father, guidance counselor, loyal friend and hunting partner to sons, Mike (deceased), Tom (Liz), Joe (Bridget), John (Erika) and Leo (Jane). Instruments cannot measure the kindness and friendship Tom spread to those he knew. From family and friends to coworkers and clients at Piper Jaffray (where he spent 45 years!) Tom made everyone feel special, found good in everyone, and drew it out in his own clever way. Tom's heart of gold contributed to countless charities, groups and individuals throughout his life, including The Epilepsy Foundation, American Cancer Society, Courage Center, Catholic Charities, Ducks Unlimited, art institutes, as well as a variety of services dedicated to the needy and hungry. Tom is preceded in death by parents, James and Elizabeth Arms; sons, Michael and baby boy Arms; sister-in-law, Kay Arms; and nephew, Jimmy Arms. Survived by brothers, Jim and Fr. Mike Arms; sisters, Muggs (Dave Huch), Betts (Don Giefer) and Kath (Jay Blanke); grandchildren, David, Tom, Zach, Max, Jack, Kate, Ellie, John, Maggie, Ruth and Michael. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, 10:00 Am at the Church of the Incarnation, 3800 Pleasant Ave S, Mpls. with visitation starting at 8:30. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery. Goodbye luncheon following burial back at the church. Memorials preferred to Incarnation Church or the Incarnation St. Vincent de Paul Society.
GILL BROTHERS 612-861-6088

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Arms

14 Entries

Ed Crotty

December 14, 2005

I did not see Tom after our graduation in '53, but heard many good things about him from Father Ward years later. Obviously, Tom was a good provider, great contributor, and wonderful example to friends and family. My sincere sympathies to all.

Gene and Marian Andersen

November 8, 2005

We came to Tom, Judy and the boys through their weekly visits to our neighborhood hardware store over two and a half decades. What a sweet couple and dear family!

It saddens us to know that you all have to journey on without Tom, yet we know that his presence will never leave you. His kind, gentle and smiling spirit lives on in each one of you -- the greatest honor and legacy a man can have. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Bridget Meyer Arms

November 5, 2005

I am Tom's daughter-in-law. He was such a good person. Caring, gentle, wise. Easy to talk to. Good listener. Level-headed. Non-judgmental. He made me feel so welcomed into the Arms family.

Here are some random memories I have of him:

Taking me golfing with all of the guys, mostly at Irish Hills. Getting me some used golf clubs for my birthday one year. Always telling me to score 9 on a bad hole since “that’s the highest we go”.

Bringing me and all of the daughters-in-law roses

Stopping by when we were all sick, giving the kids toys (Ellie got a stinky strawberry-smelling baby doll that she still loves)

Coming to watch Kate play soccer this past spring even when he didn't feel so great

He was so excited for Christmas, buying all of the fun kid toys and then wrapping them all in a familiar “Tom Arms” way (lumpy paper and lots of tape)

Telling my kids “HEY” in a deep voice when they were doing something they weren’t supposed to (my kids always listened to Grandpa).

So generous! Helping us out in so many ways. Sharing the cabin. The cabin reminds me so much of Tom. Spending time up there this summer with him, me and the kids. He was up there so much, so pleased to see others come up to relax and enjoy. I picture him sitting on the deck with a cigar and telling us it was time for happy hour.

The babies loved to sleep on Grandpa. He was so warm. They would lie on his chest and he would sleep on the couch with them.

Compassionate. Always asking about our friend Anne when she was sick. Amazed at how much she’d been through when he was also going through cancer too.

In summary, I miss him. There's no one like him. He is great!

Bob/Betty Beaudoin

November 1, 2005

Judy, our prayers and sympathy are with you and your family.

Bob and Betty.

Linda Clark

November 1, 2005

I was lucky to have worked with Tom during three of his 45 years at Piper Jaffray. I enjoyed working with him because I could see his compassion and dedication to his clients and friends first hand. I always admired the way he treated people- he truly cared about everyone and would do whatever he could to help anyone. I was with him during the time his partner and friend Bill Monroe fell ill and he continued this dedication to Bill's friends and clients as well. It was a tough time for him, but he perservered and his strength helped all of us. I have thought of Tom often since leaving Piper Jaffray and will always remember him as a dedicated and loyal friend as well as a colleague who was always their for his clients- and who also became their friend. I will never forget his wonderful qualities and try to use his guidance and advice still in my personal and professional life.

My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

John Lickteig

November 1, 2005

I've had the privilege of associating with some of the Arms family over the years, wrestling with Mike at AHA, and hanging with Tom, Jr. and others from AHA '83 since then. During this time, I encountered Mr. Arms now and again. I always found him to be such a nice guy. It's obvious to me that his kind and gentle nature found a home in his sons. Prayers sent for Tom, Sr., and the rest of the Arms clan. May the fond memories keep you during this tough time.

All the very best,

Wayland E. Noland

October 31, 2005

Tom Arms was my stockbroker and friend for 20 or so years. His help and generosity led to a friendship with Judy and all of their fine sons. Businesswise, Tom and I fit together like hand and glove. He was extremely adept in bringing out the best in people and working to help them in any way he could. Tom will remain immortal in the memory of his friends, as a good man. Now, I am very fortunate to have as my stockbroker, his son, Leo, who is a "chip off the old block" and has the same goals of service as Tom did. My deepest sympathy to all of you for our loss.

Wayland E. Noland

Joanne Baird Bauman

October 31, 2005

Words cannot relay my sad feelings to learn that dear Tommy Arms has left so many friends with wonderful memories of younger days. My heart and prayers go out to Tom's family. He was such a good person.

Susan Wrayge

October 31, 2005

I work with Wayland Noland and, therefore, have had the opportunity to talk briefly with Tom many times over the past several years. I grew very fond of Tom without knowing him well. The very nature of Tom's voice, his kind, respectful manner on the telephone, told me volumes about his character. He made me want to know him better. For many summers Tom graciously opened his cabin to the Noland Research group. We had great times at the cabin and we are geniunely thankful to Tom and the Arms family for sharing the beauty of the northwoods so generously with us.

It is with most heartfelt sympathy that we express our sadness at the passing of your husband and father. We wish you peace during this sorrowful time in life.

- Susan Wrayge and the Noland Research Group

Cheryl Zimm

October 31, 2005

Judy and family -

I am truly sorry for your loss. Tom was the kindest man I have ever known and it showed in all of you. My thoughts and prayers are will you all at this time.

Mike O'Connor

October 31, 2005

God bless you Tom, Many happy memories starting in 1949 with STMA basketball and later downtown business and civic activies, some Whitefish, and recent alumni get togethers. Typically you showed great courage and class these last two difficult years. We take comfort in knowing you are safely in God,s hands and ask that you remember us in your prayers.

Bill Kozlak

October 31, 2005

My sincere sympathy to all in the family as well as Tom's close friends, a BIG number. Sorry not to be able to attend the wake and funeral, but will pray along with you from here. Bill Kozlak...STA '54.

Bob & Mary Ann Brunhuber

October 31, 2005

We met Tom primarily at Piney Ridge Lodge and Irish Hills Golf Course. He was always such a pleasure to talk with. We wish the best to Judy and family and express our most sincere sympathy. Tom will be missed.

Mary Kay Brown

October 31, 2005

Tom was a very special man. He was always so gracious and kind to people at Piper Jaffray.

He will be missed by so many. I feel blessed to have known him even if it wasn't for very long.

My families prayers are with all of you.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results