Thomas John KINGSLEY

KINGSLEY, DUFFY, COULTER, DESHLER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:47

Thomas John Kingsley
July 18, 1925 ---- September 2, 2020

Born July 18th 1925 in Eagle Grove, Iowa, Thomas Kingsley, age 95, Owatonna, Minnesota, Traveled to our Lord on Wednesday September 2nd 2020 while at Madonna Meadows in Rochester MN with his family at his side.

At age 17 Tom enlisted with the US Army, was assigned to the US Army’s 20th Armored Division as a Tanker, served in WWII from 1943-1946 and was awarded the Bronze Star. He returned from the war under the GI bill and finishing his education with an Engineering BS degree from Iowa State University. Upon graduation Tom was hired by Jostens in Owatonna where he worked for 45+ years, retiring in 1995.

Tom was involved with the community including an active member of the Knights of Columbus for over 65 years as a 4th Degree Knight and served as Grand Knight for two separate terms. Tom also served as Boy Scout Troop Master for Troop #253 for 35 years and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award. Tom served on the City of Owatonna Hospital Board for 10 years. Tom was a coordinator and Group Leader for 47 years for the Demontreville Jesuit Retreat Center in Lake Elmo. Tom was an active parishioner at St Joseph Church in Owatonna as Lector, Usher, Lay Distributor, Parish Council member, and Finance Committee member. Tom was a member of the Elks Club, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign War (VFW), service organizations.

Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia A. Kingsley, father Thomas G. Kingsley, mother Josephine E. Kingsley, brother Louis Kingsley (his wife Geri), sister Margaret Duffy (her husband Howard), brother-in-law Fritz Coulter and son-in-law Kevin Deshler. Tom leaves behind his sister Jo Coulter (Kingsley), children Daniel F. Kingsley (wife Bonnie), Ann Marie Deshler (Kingsley) and Thomas P. Kingsley (wife Samantha), 8- grandchildren, 8 -great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

We all have been blessed that our Lord shared one of his earthly angels with us. We Believe that Tom will continue to watch over us and wait for our arrival to be with him again. He has provided an example as husband, father, friend, and Christian for all of us to emulate. His humility, devotion, and love for his fellow man made him our hero, our father, our true north. Go in peace good man you will be dearly missed by us all.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Madonna Meadows in Rochester for their hospitality and, dignified attentive care. Special thanks as well to Mayo Clinic Palliative Care and Hospice teams. Blessed are the caregivers for they will inherit the gentle grace of God.

The Catholic funeral Mass, due to Covid19 restrictions, will be limited to immediate family only.

Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, with his wife Patricia at his side per Tom’s request.

Memorials in his name can be sent directly to Demontreville Jesuit Retreat House, 8243 Demontreville Trail N, Lake Elmo MN 55042-9546