Thomas William Sweigert

Age 73, of St. Paul, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2024. 

Preceded in death by parents, Wilbur & Ruby (née Nelson); and sister, Marilyn Bethke. 

Survived by wife, Paula (née Schierman); children, Steven, Joanna (Tony) Varda, Kathleen (Zaid) Jabbar, Richard, Mark; grandchildren Alexander, Elyse, Nicolas, and Maximilian Varda and Matthew, Jacob, Andrew, and Luke Jabbar; sister, Beth Retting; dozens of nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. 

Tom was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and resided in the suburbs during his childhood and teen years. At 18, he enlisted in the Navy and served on a ship during Vietnam. Afterwards, he returned to the Twin Cities, and began working for Hennepin County. He met Paula while playing in a band, married at the age of 25, and then settled in the Midway area, where they raised their 5 children.   

Tom loved the outdoors, and favorite activities with his family included fishing and camping, small game hunting with his daughters, deer hunting with his sons, nephews, and brother-in-law, and sharing the veggies, herbs, fruits and berries from his extensive and expertly cultivated backyard garden.

Tom had a creative spirit and found beauty in the ordinary. He was energized by assembling the most mundane objects into his personal works of art. A talented drummer, he enjoyed playing along with his varied record collection, and singing karaoke at Mancini’s. After Paula’s retirement in 2022, she joined him on outings to local VFWs where they enjoyed dancing and karaoke. 

Tom took advantage of every opportunity to be outdoors, often accompanied by his pets, and connecting personally with every neighbor on the block. He is remembered by his family, friends, and others for his gentle spirit, kindness, quick wit, and quirky sense of humor.

Visitation 4:00 - 8:00 pm Tuesday, June 11 at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home (Roseville), 2130 N. Dale St. at County Rd. B.
Visitation 9:00 - 10:00 am Wednesday, June 12 at the Church of St. Agnes, 548 Lafond Ave., St. Paul followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am.

Interment 1:00 pm Wednesday, June 12 at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Avenue S., Minneapolis. Please arrive at the cemetery by 12:45 pm and enter the cemetery through Gate #2 and proceed to Assembly Area #2.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Rosetown American Legion.