Thomas “Tom” F. Kuester, age 65 of Baldwin, passed away suddenly on December 3, 2011 at the American Heritage Care Center in Hammond.

Tom was born August 1, 1946 in Sleepy Eye, MN to parents, Delbert “Nig” and Kathleen “Kak” (Youngman) Kuester.

Tom attended school and graduated from St. Mary Catholic School in Sleepy Eye in 1964.  After graduation, he joined the Army and served in Germany during the Cold War as a Hawk Missle Mechanic from November 30, 1964 through November 8, 1967.

Tom enjoyed having morning coffee, socializing and doing crossword puzzles with his numerous friends.  He also enjoyed working at the Family Childcare Center and watching the Vikings play on television.  In his earlier years, Tom loved to bowl and go snowmobiling.

 Tom is survived by his wife, Linda “Lynn” (Utecht) Kuester; son, Chad; grandson, Brian; brother, Kevin (Gloria) Kuester; sisters-in- law, Shelly (Mike) Odden, Kathy (Greg) Smith, Char (Dennis) Hale; brother-in-law, Len (Becky) Utecht; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great niece.  He is also survived by his three special “kids,” JD, Misty and Rena; and was also Papa at the Childcare center to many children. 

He will be greatly missed by all.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and specials “kids,” Dufus Jay and Brandy Lee. 

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will take place 11: 00 AM Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, 1010 Newton St.   Visitation will take place 4:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, December 9, 2011 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service.  A reception will immediately follow the services at the United Methodist Church in Hammond.  Tom will be cremated and later interred at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.  Funeral Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin (715) 684-3434.  www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com