Thomas “Tom” Brennan
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On November 2, 2022 @ 10:25 am In 2022,Obituaries | 4 Comments
Thomas “Tom” Brennan, a long-time resident of Savage, MN, was born in Richfield, MN to Robert John Brennan and Lee Marie (Kraemer) Brennan. Tom died suddenly at home on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at 63 years of age. A visitation will be held from 4-6PM with closing words at 6PM on Friday, November 18, 2022 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 833 S Marschall Rd., Shakopee. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed by the family in Tom’s memory.
Throughout life, Tom fulfilled his philosophy that, “some is good, more is better, too much is just right.”
Following his high school graduation, Tom furthered his education at Winona State University. While attending a party Tom was introduced to fellow student, Cheryl Bailey. Uninterested in the party and wanting to leave, Cheryl was offered a ride home by Tom. His sense of humor and charisma immediately caught Cheryl’s attention!
Their relationship was filled with laughter, misadventures, and the occasional prank by Tom. After a few years of dating and one fake proposal later (complete with one a single red rose and eleven cut stems), Tom eventually got serious. He proposed at Christmas, and they were united in marriage on May 12, 1984. Soon after the young couple settled in Savage and Tom began his career.
Tom enjoyed a reputation as a geek or tech nerd. Involved in IT for most of his career and employed by Emerson Electric, formerly Rosemount Industries, at the time of his death, Tom was relied upon by many for his expertise in many aspects of technology. He was “tech support” or “the help desk guy” for many family members and friends.
Moving to Savage began an important chapter in Tom’s life. When a new road was being constructed near their home, Tom was inspired to engage in his civic duties. What could easily be a passing interest turned into something more!
Serving as a Savage City Council Member (1996-2002) and then as Mayor (2002-2007), Tom truly had a vision for the small town of Savage. Tom will be remembered by many for his strong community involvement. He was instrumental in driving or supporting projects and initiatives that have resulted in the vibrant community that Savage now is. He worked tirelessly to revitalize Dan Patch Days, helped with the expansion of Metro Transit to the Savage area, established the Savage Farmer’s Market and so much more.
One of Tom’s favorite annual activities was Dan Patch Days. For over three decades, Tom served in many roles on the committee, along with others often doing the “behind the scenes” work that makes Dan Patch successful. Also active in the Dan Patch Historical Society, Tom was keenly interested in local, national, military, and world history. He was well read on many historical topics as well as on significant figures.
Tom has also served as president of the Dan Patch Historical Society (2016-current), was a founding member and the first president of the Savage Crime Prevention Association and helped the Savage Police Department create a K9 Unit. No matter the project, big or small, Tom had the right personality to calm anxious minds and get the work done.
In his free time and when not helping others, Tom loved grilling and smoking vast quantities of meat and other treats on his “Big Green Egg.” He loved being outdoors with his ever-present cocker spaniel companions. Tom never met a dog that he didn’t love or that didn’t love him back. Along with Cheryl, he trained his beloved dogs for therapy and frequently visited St. Gertrude’s in Shakopee. Tom was a devoted husband, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor.
Tom is survived by his wife, Cheryl Bailey Brennan; siblings, Patricia Lee Brennan Franko (John), Kathleen Marie Brennan Anderson (Bill), Robert John Brennan (Katherine), and half-sister, Kelly Brennan McRoberts, and many valued family members, friends, and colleagues. Tom was predeceased by his parents and sister, Jeanne Marie Van Nurden.
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Rabeya, This is Tom’s older sister. Thank you so much for taking the time and for your kind words about Tom. It is so very appreciated. Thank you.
It is difficult to think of not having Tom in our neighborhood. He was always a friend. He was there for a chat, a project or to do you a favor.
He was friendly, encouraging, a good listener and good with a funny story. He was also there to listen to or share some deeper thoughts. He had some strong beliefs but was willing to listen to and consider other ideas.
He was generous and kind to our pets and our children. It wasn’t unusual for our dog to show up with a new toy thanks to Tom.
He also kept us in computers and software updates over the years.
We are so sad to have to say good-bye to such a wonderful person and friend.
Sincerely,
Dave and Carol Albrecht & family
Dan and I were honored to be part of Tom’s “Extended Dysfunctual Family” and always thought of him as the son we never had. On this day of his visitation words don’t come close to expressing the feeling of loss we are experiencing. The kind, thoughtful, kooky person Tom was has left this earth way to soon, he had so much more to give. There will always be a hole in my heart from loosing him. Love you always, Tom
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I get to know Tom from work. He had such a warm and welcoming personality. I always felt better after I spoke with him. If I was having a bad time at work, he would tell a joke or say something about his dog that would cheer me up. He was someone with whom you can share things easily. He loved to grill in his smoker, and he would share how much meat he grilled to prepare for winter. He would always be available to answer even when he was in vacation or talking time off for his knee surgery. Over the time we worked together, we learned from each other, shared ideas, and supported each other through work. He will be missed tremendously at work. I pray for his departed soul. May he rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.