Name: Visitation for Dr. Thomas Barrett Mich
Start: 2024-01-11T16:30:00.000Z
End: 2024-01-11T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

Age 80, of St. Paul Dr. Thomas Barrett Mich, a beloved husband, father, educator, and community pillar, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. His departure on New Year's Eve Day, 2023, followed a valiant 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer, ultimately succumbing to the effects of a stroke. Born on November 23, 1943, in St. Paul, MN, Tom was the cherished son of Naomi (Anderson) and Barrett Mich, a WWII veteran. He is survived by his younger brother, Michael. From a young age, he found his passion in the field of education. A proud graduate of Cretin High School, class of 1961, Tom was also an honorary alumnus of St. Thomas Academy, proudly claiming dual citizenship in these esteemed educational institutions. His academic pursuits led him to earn a B.A. degree from St. Paul Seminary, M.A.(T) degree from The College of St. Thomas, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Minnesota. In recognition of his contributions, Tom was honored as a distinguished alumnus of The College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, in 2013. Tom dedicated 48 years to the field of education. He commenced his teaching journey at St. Thomas Academy, later serving over three decades as an adjunct professor at the College/University of St. Thomas. His impactful leadership spanned 18 years as superintendent of the Orono School District and ten years as headmaster at St. Thomas Academy, retiring in 2014. In 1972, Tom united in marriage with Catherine (Karp), his intellectual counterpart and unwavering source of support for 51 years. Together, they nurtured three children: Thomas Barrett, Patrick Hunt (Kate), and Katherine Elizabeth (Daniel). Their lives were further enriched by the presence of five grandchildren: Bennett, William, Samantha, Barrett, and Beau. Tom's love extended beyond his immediate family, cherishing his extended family and serving as the family historian, preserving and sharing the rich legacies of past generations with his children. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas (2115 Summit Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105) at 12:00 pm, Thursday, January 11th, 2024. Visitation begins at 10:30am, and a reception at Town and Country Club (300 Mississippi River Blvd N, Saint Paul, MN 55104) will immediately follow at 2pm. Dr. Thomas Barrett Mich will be deeply missed and remembered for his unwavering commitment to education, his devotion to family, and his profound impact on the communities he touched. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to: St. Thomas Academy or Orono Foundation for Education.

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Published by Pioneer Press from Jan. 7 to Jan. 9, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Mich

Sponsored by St Paul Pioneer Press.

5 Entries

Al Moosbrugger

January 14, 2024

Tom was my brother's best friend. My condolences. He was a great man & did a enormous amount of good in his life. His memory will remain with a large part of many people's life. My prayers are with you.

Gerry Brown

January 9, 2024

I am sorry to hear of the passing of my friend Tom Mich. My best thoughts go to Cathy and family in this sad time. I'm privileged to have a long history and many fond memories of Tom. I began my teaching career in a classroom on the STA courtyard flanked by Tom Mich and Dennis Dease. Later, Tom was named as Headmaster of our school. I worked for eleven different headmasters in my years at the school and Tom was the most naturally gifted leader I feel that we had. His favorite fictional character was the quiet Latin master in a boys private school in the novel Goodbye Mr. Chips and he always pictured himself as that person. He was an expert in all facets of Education and Educational Leadership. He was also the rabid leader of our monthly faculty poker game that included Rongitsch, Gerlach, Kurtz, Culbertson and Brown and even had his own "game" named after him: "TBM" (Thomas Barrett Mich), a form of five card stud! We enjoyed visiting with him at his lake home in Crosslake, MN, and his Palm Desert winter getaway. Tom was a friendly, outgoing person who had many friends and was held in high regard by many whom he met. He will be sorely missed.

Tammy Greenlee

January 9, 2024

The depth of Tom's loss is difficult to express, as he was not only a figure of great influence in my life but a beacon of wisdom, kindness, and inspiration for so many. I am deeply grateful for the moments shared, the lessons learned, and the laughter enjoyed with him. His legacy of dedication to knowledge, compassion, and community will undoubtedly endure, and the void left by his absence is a reminder of the extraordinary man we were privileged to know. His spirit will continue to inspire us, and the lessons he imparted will guide us through the challenges ahead. May he rest in eternal peace.

Cathy Cusick

January 8, 2024

Growing up on Eleanor Avenue just three houses from the Mich family, I remember Tom as quite a studious and serious young man. With my parents, I remember attending the wedding of Tom and Catherine. What a truly remarkable human being he became and I am certain his beloved wife and children miss him terribly. May all their sad tears turn to tears of joy as their memories become happy and joyful ones. The Mich families are in my thoughts and prayers.

Amy Pohlman

January 7, 2024

Though we didn't get to see each other often, the times we were together were always fun and memorable. Uncle Tom will surely be missed. Hugs and kisses to all.

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