Tom Wieser

Tom Wieser, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, avid sportsman, and collector of "treasures," passed away peacefully on August 4th, 2023, at the Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Fargo, ND, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 75 years old and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and commitment to family.

The son of Gerhard (Jerry) Wieser and Bernice Doll Wieser, Thomas Gerhard Wieser was born on October 18, 1947, in Wheaton, MN. Tom grew up in Wheaton, and his childhood years were filled with sports, practical jokes, and treasured lifelong friendships. He graduated from Wheaton High School in 1965 and was honored for 12 years of perfect attendance. He then attended Bemidji State University and graduated with a degree in physical education in 1969. During his high school and college careers, Tom was a standout athlete in both football and track.

Tom then served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1970 through 1971. His service years included a tour of duty as a medic in Viet Nam, where he was repeatedly exposed to Agent Orange, which later resulted in metastatic cancer. Upon his discharge from the Army, he married the love of his life, Julie Hoffman, on July 18, 1971, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wheaton, MN.  Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Michael and Matthew. In 1972, Tom obtained his degree in Elementary Education and went on to complete his Master's Degree and Specialists Degree in Educational Administration. Tom taught 5th grade for his entire teaching career in the Fargo Public School System, retiring in 2002.

Tom took great pleasure in his role as the "Pied Piper" of his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. At all of the family gatherings, if you knew where Tom was you knew where the kids were, because they all knew the fun and fireworks began as soon as Tom arrived. Above all else, Tom loved his family. Julie, the boys, and his grandkids were the center of his existence.

Tom was preceded in death by his father and mother, as well as Julie's parents, Clifford (Bucky) & Ann Hoffman. He is survived by Julie, his wife of 52 years; his sons Michael Wieser and Matthew (Allison) Wieser; grandson Cole and granddaughter Vanessa; brother Don of Chandler AZ; sister Susie (Curt) Alsaker of Rosholt, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Veteran's Memorial Medical Center throughout Tom's illness. Each and every individual they worked with demonstrated such care and compassion with both Tom and Julie. Their kindness will not be forgotten.

Tom's celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11:00 at Atonement Lutheran Church in Fargo. The service will be livestreamed on atonementfargo.org.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt, SD, will be handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the American Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), or 4 Luv of Dogs.