Thomas Kizer Jr. age 43, lifelong resident of New Richmond died Saturday February 16, 2013 at his residence following a hard fought battle with cancer. ‘Tom’ was born on September 1, 1969 in New Richmond; the son of Thomas Sr. and Gloria Jean (DeSmith) Kizer. Tom being raised in New Richmond, attended elementary school prior to graduating from New Richmond High School. He would further his schooling in business at 916 Vocational College (today Century College) in Mahtomedi, MN. Although he received his schooling in business education, it was that of a carpenter he became. Tom’s persistent, detail oriented demeanor fit him perfectly as a gifted carpenter. Early in life, he worked for Thompson Machine and 3M prior to building homes for Dream Home in Eau Claire and for Jeff Hielkema (Precise Quality Builders) in Baldwin. On September 7, 1996, he was united in marriage to Heather Jean Teed at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Richmond. This union would be blessed with two beautiful daughters; Caitlyn and Vanessa. Tom was an avid Green Bay Packer and NASCAR fan. He loved the outdoors; more importantly hunting, or camping with the family/friends. He appreciated the beauty of a falling sunset or an eagle soaring in the skies above. He also enjoyed going to tractor pulls and visiting the Minnesota State Fair. But Tom’s greatest love came from being a dad and husband. Although he was a tough carpenter, his girls knew how to humble him. He loved going shopping with his girls, zip lining, or simply being a dad. He would frequently ask Caitlyn “Out of all the little girls in the world, how did I get the best one?” “You just got lucky!” Caitlyn would tell him, and he would say, “I sure did.” Vanessa grew up for the most part with a sick dad fighting cancer. She frequently would give Tom feel better kisses to cheer him up. The girls had a strong feeling towards angels during Tom’s illness. Certainly now, they both have Arch Angels looking over them.
Tom will forever remain in the hearts of his wife Heather, daughters Caitlyn and Vanessa, mother Gloria (Merlin) Green of New Richmond, father Thomas Kizer Sr. of New Richmond, brother Timothy Kizer of Oakdale MN, Anthony (Pat) Kizer of Stillwater, step brothers Tom (Jody) Green of Osceola, Paul (Mary) Green of Rice Lake, parents-in-law Richard Teed of Ridgeland, Tressa Cain of Ridgeland, brothers/sisters-in-law Sara (Jake) Hemingway of Ridgeland, Justin Poach of Ridgeland, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service for Tom will be 11AM Friday February 22 at St. John’s The Baptist Catholic Church; 753 First Street in Glenwood City with Deacon Wes Tuttle officiating. Interment will be in the St. John’s parish cemetery with his family and friends serving as bearers. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4PM until 7PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home; 1010 Newton Street in Baldwin and one hour prior to the service at church Friday morning. Memorials are preferred.