Thomas 'Tom' Boerboom

Tom E. Boerboom, dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin was welcomed into heaven by his beloved daughter, Jessica, on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at the age of 72. There is no doubt that he was overjoyed to be reunited with Jessica, his parents, Eddie and Marie, his fishing buddy Grandma Boerboom and so many aunts and uncles! Tom was born on August 6, 1948 in Ghent, Minnesota and would grow up celebrating his Belgian heritage, growing a deep Catholic faith and starting to help on the farm at 5 years old. He had a strong work ethic as well as a commitment to do the right thing. After high school, Tom joined the Air Force and served in Viet Nam where he was exposed to a large amount of Agent Orange. After his service of 4 years, he enrolled at Southwest State University, earned his marketing degree, attended the University of Minnesota in the long term care studies and then began his over 45 year career in the health care field caring for older adults. He started out as an Administrator and then moved on to management positions covering many Midwestern states and then became an owner. He was very dedicated to giving high quality care and offering top notch customer service.
Tom loved his family and was so blessed with 3 daughters-Jessica, who passed away at age 30, Lindsey Voigt of Sioux Falls, Taylor Hubbard (Martin) of Chaska and stepdaughter, Rachel Rippel (Jamie) of Shakopee. He loved his siblings and was a big brother to his sister Judy Crowley (Dale), and his 2 brothers Mark Boerboom (Jo) and Pat Boerboom (Linda). He married the love of his life, Suzy, and they spent wonderful years at their cabin, loved family get togethers, enjoyed many exciting travels, spent time with friends and had lots of fun parties! He enjoyed his many nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. His friends and teammates, especially Paul, were such a blessing in his life.
He treasured his grandchildren: Jordan Boerboom, Preston, Jayden and Addison Rippel, Henry and Oliver Voigt and Ethan Hubbard; sharing with them his love of trees, his orchard, vegetable gardening, fishing and carpentry. He even taught some of the grandchildren how to fix "Grandpa's Famous Fried Chicken" and blueberry pancakes!
Tom will be remembered for his strong Christian faith, spending over 20 years on his annual silent retreat with the Jesuits at Demontreville, hard work, servant leadership and love of family. Thomas, you have fought the good fight and have finished the race as a noble man of character!
A celebration of his life will be held at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Minneapolis in late spring or summer.
Arrangements with McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, Shakopee, 952-445-2755. Condolences may be shared at www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com