Thomas Sylvester Gavinski, 70, of Savage, MN, passed away on March 18, 2024. Services to honor and celebrate Tom’s life will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372 on March 28, 2024. A visitation will take place from 10:00 – 11:00 AM and liturgy of the word will be held at 11:00 AM with Fr. George Grafsky presiding. A gathering will be held at the Prior Lake VFW following services. A burial will take place at Lakewood Cemetery for private family only.
Tom was born on Sep. 23, 1953, in Menasha, WI. He was a generous, kind, and hard-working man who meant so much to so many. He had a sense of humor and a laugh that could light up a room. Tom was a loving son, husband, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend to many.
He had an accomplished career at Sears, Alina, and IC Systems. Tom served as the Head Savage Planning Commissioner, head of the Hospital Workers Credit Union, and as a lobbyist at the St. Paul Capital.
In his free time, Tom enjoyed golf, cars, cocktails, puzzles, parties, and collecting hilarious tchotchkes. He was a man who always found joy and fun in life.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Lynne; brothers, Joe and Mark; sisters-in-law, Patti (David) and Ginny (Pat); 12 nieces & nephews;17 great nieces & nephews; 8 godchildren; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ester; father, Sylvester; and sister Judy.
Tom will be dearly missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
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Foster North
Tom and I worked together for over ten years. He was a caring leader with whom everyone enjoyed working. He was an excellent coach and role model who had a fun sense of humor. I will always be proud to have been his friend and colleague because of the kind of person he was.
Mike Seidl
I am truly, truly saddened by your loss. A wonderful human being has left us.
Robert Criswell
Tom made this world a better place and will be sincerely missed by me and other friends. He was helpful, kind, intelligent, courteous, and inclusive: always up for some frolic and fun. I really liked him!
I believe we met the first time at my home to plan a canoe trip, something my friends and I did back in the day. We had a blast and Tom was right there in the thick of things. My condolences to his wife Lynn, the rest of the family and friends. Bob
Tom & Terri Stang
Lynne – You are in our thoughts and prayers through this very difficult time. Terri and I treasured our friendship with you and Tom. We will always remember Tom anytime we drive “Scarlett”, the 66 Mustang we bought from you guys! He was so proud to sell it to us, and we will always be honored to have it to enjoy.
B. Greenberg
Tom was always wonderfully kind and generous to me, as a younger professional, throughout the years. Never too busy. Always willing to have a chat. I always looked forward to our conversations. My sincere condolences. He will be missed by many. Thinking of you, your family, and him.
Debi ONeal
I am so saddened to see this news. I had the pleasure of being a friends many years. The world becomes a lot dimmer without his bright light in this world. Myself and many others have enjoyed Tom’s witty humor, and a loyal friend. I have appreciated the opportunity to be on this journey through life with Tom.
Lynn and family and many friends my deepest condolences.
We miss you Tom! ❤️. Prayers of comfort to all.
Krystina LeClair
I am so sad to hear this news. I worked with Tom for several years at IC and travelled with him to visit clients many times. He was a tremendous mentor to me and became a great friend. RIP friend
Mike Dunn
Sad to see this. Tom and I worked together during his second stint at IC. A very nice, kind, gentleman. Both of us being originally from Wisconsin, I didn’t like when he wore the vikings helga braids at conferences where he spoke! He had a good sense of humor and was a good sport. My condolences.
Kelly Berglund
I’m sorry for your loss, but words will never lighten up your grief and hurt. Remember all his love you have for him.
Kelly (Keegan) Berglund
Dee Phillipps
Sending my deepest condolences to Lynne and the Gavinski family. I worked for Tom for several years. He was a kind, generous and supportive boss. He always had a friendly smile for everyone. My memories of working for him and of that time are so pleasant (and not just because he gave great parties!). He was the kind of boss everyone deserves and hopes to have, and so rarely gets. He will be missed.
Bill and Jamie Pettit
Tom and Lynne have been our neighbors for over 23 years as we moved into our houses at almost the same time. I can’t remember Tom without a smile on his face as he was always eager to stop and chat and hear about your life. He always inquired about our children as he and Lynne attended every special event wedding and graduation party. They watched our children grow up and our family loved him.
Our dogs always knew when Tom was around as even though he didn’t own dogs he always had treats for the neighborhood dogs.
Our condolences to the family. He will be missed.