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Tom Opheim Obituary
Age 82, died on March 22, 2004, in Melbourne, Florida, as a result of injuries he sustained in a car/motorcycle accident on March 18, 2004. Tom was born on March 4, 1922, at Tracy, Minnesota. As a young child, his family moved to St. Paul. He served in the Navy in World War II and received an honorable discharge in 1945 after serving in the South Pacific on a PT Boat. He was married in 1945 to Dorothea M. Miller of Jackson, MN. He served for more than 24 years on the St. Paul Police Force as a patrolman and as a Sergeant Investigator in the Sex-Homicide Division. Tom was a Shrine clown for many years. He also was the owner of Kwik Kafe and Imperial Vending Services, Inc. until 1971. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer, and enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He loved playing cards with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Dorothea, who died in 1983; and sisters, Helen Mae Herzog, Margaret Opheim, and Marjorie Pool. He is survived by his companion, Geraldine Lallas; his daughter, Judith Schwakopf, Overland Park, Kansas; sons Gary (Roberta), Stillwater, Thomas (Linda), Ada, and Walter (Carla), West Lakeland; fourteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Gordon and Jack. Tom will always be remembered for his quick wit, friendly smile, and competitive spirit. He will be greatly missed by his companion, children; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren to whom he was devoted. A Memorial Service will be held at 6:30PM Tuesday, March 30 at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM FUNERAL HOME, 536 North Snelling Ave at Charles, St. Paul, (651-646-2844), with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 5PM. Burial will be at Fort Snelling on Wednesday. 
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Memories and Condolences
for Tom Opheim
Ann Gustafson Page
March 30, 2004
I remember your dad well for being so good to all the neighborhood kids. He was the special person on the block, after all he was our neighbor, Mr. Policeman. I can still picture him in his uniform and how proud you all were of him. He will be missed by many, but he was also loved by many.
Jerry Dexter
March 28, 2004
I will miss Tom, as he was always quick with a smile, and a kind word. His warmth, and friendliness were always evident.
I had the pleasure of visiting with him in Vero Beach on March 7th, and was looking forward to seeing him at our monthly lunches and dinners with the other retired cops.
May God Bless his soul, and may he rest in peaceful eternity with Him.
Carol Sailer
March 28, 2004
Carla and Walt: I didn't know your father, Walt, but I know how hard it is to lose a parent. My deepest sympathy and prayers.
Lynn Matz
March 28, 2004
As a fellow policeman, Tom was a special friend to my husband Joe and me.
Joe and Tom enjoyed fishing together (especially in south Texas in the gulf).
His visits were always an enjoyable time with lots of laughter and caring.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lynn Matz
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Donald & Mary Lou Robinson
March 26, 2004
We met Tom here in Vero a few years ago and he quickly became a good friend. He visited us frequently this winter in our rented home and was last here the morning of his accident. We have him on our minds every day and we are so sad that he is gone. Rest in peace dear friend.
Sandy Johnson
March 25, 2004
I will always remember his smile and his laugh. He always made our family feel special when we would visit.
Larry & Ina Opheim
March 25, 2004
Met Tom in Vero Beach, FL about eight years ago. We have the same last name, but are not related. He was a great guy and a wonderful friend.
Shirley Schuneman/Akridge
March 25, 2004
I will always remember Tom's kindness to my parents Ike and Sandy Schuneman.
Jonn Runyon
March 25, 2004
Judy,Gary Tom and Walter My deepest sympathy for the loss of your Dad. I have a lot of fond memories Of Big Tom and Walt that I will cherrish forever.
Robert Elliott
March 25, 2004
Sorry to hear of the loss of Tom. I
am a first cousin but considerably younger hence little family contact. I thought Tom was a super person well liked and fun to be around.
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Holcomb-Henry-Boom Funeral & Cremation Services536 North Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104
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