Thomas Fernelius

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Thomas Charles Fernelius, Sr. (74) passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Tom was born on March 13, 1950, and grew up in the City of Robbinsdale with his parents Clarence and Angela Fernelius and brother Frederick Fernelius. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School, Robbinsdale Junior High, and Robbinsdale Senior High.

Tom was not particularly fond of school. After suffering through half-days in kindergarten, Tom was less-than thrilled to learn from Sister Owen that first graders were promoted to full days. When the rest of the class left for lunch, Tom left for home. Needless to say, his mom was surprised when he walked through the door and announced he was done with school and never going back. Of course, his mom informed him otherwise, and 45-minutes later, Tom returned to class. School was not all bad—it had after-school sports.

Tom grew up playing football, baseball, and basketball (coached by his future brother-in-law, Ron Munn), and later added softball and broomball. Tom played sports until his body (and his wife) sidelined him. Speaking of his wife…

Tom was introduced to the Munn Family 65 years ago. Tim Munn was Tom’s best friend and Mary Jo’s older brother. Mary Jo is number 10 of 12 children, with seven brothers and four sisters. It was hard not to be drawn to the Munn Family, which was (and still is) very large, very loud, and very fun.

Tom and Mary Jo had their first date on July 30, 1975, and were engaged five months later, on Christmas Eve. They were married four months later, on April 24, 1976, and it was quite the celebration. By the end of the night, Mary Jo’s brother Terry had literally everyone dancing on the tables.

In 1976, Tom and Mary Jo bought their first home in Robbinsdale where they welcomed their three daughters Kelly, Shelly, and Ellie Jo. They moved to Crystal before the arrival of their son Tommy.

Tom was a kind, sweet, warm, shy, quiet, low-key funny man who always put his family first. He enjoyed the simple things in life and was often a “behind-the-scenes” guy. He loved being outdoors, taking care of the house, watching his children and grandchildren play sports, fishing, and most of all, hunting.

Tom will be missed everyday by his children who will cherish fond memories of their Dad assistant coaching for little league and basketball; attending more than a decade of dance recitals; playing catch in the front yard; sitting at the kitchen table in the early morning hours, drinking his coffee, listening to the radio, and waiting for everyone else to wake up; summer vacationing with the Heiforts; watching WWF Saturday mornings; TGIF lineup; waking up to Malt-O-Meal on cold winter mornings; Dad’s homemade mac-n-cheese; getting up at 4 a.m. to go ice fishing with Uncle Ron; day trips to Uncle Fred’s; fishing off the pontoon; walking around Fleet Farm and Menard’s; Circus Peanuts and Whoppers; looking for deer at Elm Creek Park Reserve after Sunday dinners; going for ice cream and car rides after thunderstorms; taking their Halloween candy up north for deer hunting; “meowing”; and countless other memories.

Tom a/k/a “Gpa”, “G-Bob”, “Bob”, and “Bunca” was also blessed with 10 devoted grandchildren who will miss him dearly. The title of “Grandpa” was just as important to Tom as “Dad”.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Jo (Munn); his children Kelly Fernelius, Shelly Schutte, Ellie Jo Fernelius, and Tommy (Amanda) Fernelius, Jr.; his grandchildren Cole, Vance, Dru, Tyler, Samantha Jo, Truman, Thorton, Cooper, Gracelyn, and Cullen; his brother Frederick Fernelius; sisters-in-law Jean (Jim) Egan, Teresa (Tom) Heifort, Karen (Pete) Kiley, and Pauline Munn; brothers-in-law Tim Munn, Ken Munn, Joe (Bonnie) Munn, Charlie (Carol) Munn; dozens of nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews; and his loyal dog CeCe. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Angela (Gargas) Fernelius; father- and mother-in-law Earl and Mary (Chase) Munn; sisters-in-law Margaret Munn, Rita Munn, and Lori Munn; brothers-in-law Terry Munn, Earl (“Bud”) Munn, Jr., and Ronald Munn.