Thomas Victor Liesch

Liesch, Thomas V.

This is a remembrance for a life fully lived. Tom was born on April 2, 1936, in New Ulm, MN and died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on September 11, 2023.  He raised 3 beautiful daughters, doted on 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, and gave a fierce love and devotion to his wife, Gloria of 62 years.  Tom grew up in a close-knit catholic family. He enjoyed playing sports, hanging out with friends, and never missed a good time.

Tom had a gift for teaching others. He taught high school English for 34 years, was a driver’s education instructor, and coached golf at Armstrong High School. Tom retired from teaching in 1993 and continued to coach golf and work at Rush Creek Golf Course. He loved playing golf and most days you could find him on the golf course. Tom had (3) hole-in-ones and found so much joy in the game. He found peace and beauty on the many courses he played.

Tom married his true love in life, Gloria on June 17, 1961. They raised three daughters in New Hope. His pride and joy were always his three girls. Oh, how he loved spending time with them playing card games, celebrating holidays, and helping them with projects. He was very handy and there was nothing he could not build or fix.

Tom and Gloria were both teachers and shared a passion for the game of golf. They enjoyed many golf vacations in Arizona, Hawaii, and Up North. 

Tom enjoyed photography and could often be found behind the camera capturing family memories, especially those cherished vacations at Green Lake. A gin and tonic and a beautiful sunset went hand in hand. We will forever remember his sense of humor, his beautiful blue eyes and gentle soul.

He is survived by wife, Gloria; daughters, Jacqueline (Jim) Frazee of Lakeville, Jane (Bryan) Soderberg of Eden Prairie and Julie (Don) Phillips of Edina; 7 grandchildren, Justine, Jillian, Abby, Anna, Maddie, Clayton and Meghan and 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Philip (Sue) Liesch of New Ulm. Preceded in death by parents, Victor and Hilda Liesch; sister, Claire (Gene) Fox; god-daughter, Mary and nephew, Mike.

We are eternally grateful for the gift of time we were given with our dad, husband and grandfather. Tom will be missed tremendously, but we will never forget his reassuring words, “I am always with you.”  In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated. A Celebration of Life will be held September 22, 2023, at the St. Joseph Catholic Community Parish Center in New Hope.

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