Thomas Gerszewski

Thomas Gerszewski, 94, of Warroad, MN, passed away on December 31, 2022 at his home under the care of his loving family.

Thomas Adam Gerszewski was born on December 22, 1928 on the farm in Ardoch, ND, the son of Alexander and Anastasia “Stella” Gerszewski. He moved with his family as a young boy to the family farm in Fork Township (Argyle, MN). Tom went to country school through 5th grade and he was in charge of filling the wood stove for the school children every morning before school began. Tom met the love of his life at a PNA Dance in Florian, MN. On October 16, 1952, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Christine Szklarski in her home church of Assumption Catholic Church, Florian. The young couple moved to a farm near Newfolden, MN, where they raised their six children. In those early years, Tom and Christine spent winters working at St. Paul Armour Meat Plant, in the Cities to make money for the farm. Tom worked at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls, MN for several years before he farmed full time.

In 1981, Christine and Tom left the farm and built a home in Warroad so they could pursue their passion: fishing. Summer and winter, Christine and Tom fished every chance they could. Tom bought a Bombardier in 1996 and in 1997, he started Tom & Harv's Ice Fishing Business which he ran until he retired in 2010 at the age of 82. This did not stop him from his passion of ice fishing, which he continued until he was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 90.  His CB handle whether farming or fishing was Sunflower King. His blue Ford pickup was a recognizable sight out on Lake of the Woods during the winter and he was a master at driving on the snow covered lake. Tom was very devout and he was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Warroad. His lifetime companion and fishing partner, Christine, died on February 14, 2022 after 69 year of marriage.

Tom enjoyed fishing, hunting and taking care of his yard. He loved spending time with his family. His grand & greatgrandchildren held a special place in his heart and he cherished the time spent with them.

Thomas is survived by his six children, Roger Gerszewski of Belgrade, MT, Arlette (Ron) Haupt of Sioux Falls, SD, Paulette (Kelly) Holthusen of Thief River Falls, MN, Fran (Anne) Gerszewski of Enid, OK, Joann (Kenny) Ignaszewski of Warroad, MN and Pat (Nancy) Gerszewski of Newfolden, MN; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Anna Seeba, Loretta Lechner and Steve Gerszewski; brother-in-law, Paul Biggs and sisters-in-law, Mary Deschene and Edwardine Szklarski.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Stella; wife, Christine; brothers/inlaws, Alexander, Leo, Raymond (Selma), Joseph (Margaret C.), Peter (Frances), Chester (Mary), William (Margaret M.), and sisters/inlaws, Eleanor (Edward) Smith, Magdaline (John) Kostrzewski, Gertrude Biggs, Frances (Joe) Kazmierczak, Cyril Seeba, Robert Lechner, Frank (Dorthy) Szklarski, Chester (Virginia) Szklarski, Bro.Anthony Szklarski, John Szklarski, Joe Deschene and Alfred Sevigny.

VISITATION: At 2:30 PM with a 3:00 PM Prayer Service on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Warroad, MN. Lunch will be served after the prayer service.

Visitation will also be one hour before services on Monday at Assumption Catholic Church in Florian, MN.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 11:30 AM on Monday, January 9, 2023 at Assumption Catholic Church in Florian, MN. Lunch to follow.

INTERMENT: Next to his wife, Christine, in Assumption Catholic Cemetery, Florian, MN.