Thomas Richard Karkela

Thomas Richard Karkela

May 2, 1945 – May 19, 2023

Richard Thomas Karkela of Plymouth, Minnesota, passed away on May 19, 2023 at the age of 78 after his long battle with Parkinson’s. Tom was born on May 2, 1945 and grew up in Grand Rapids Minnesota. Tom attended Grand Rapids High School where he enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and football. Tom graduated in 1963 then attended the University of North Dakota and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering in August of 1967. Tom married his high school sweet heart Peggy Rassmussen and went to work for Westinghouse in Minneapolis, MN. Later was transferred to Brookfield, WI. In 1984 Tom moved his family back to Minnesota to start Electro Midwest.

Tom was a devoted husband of 56 years, Peggy (Rassmussen) Karkela, and father to Kristi (Eric Keiper of Maple Grove), Jennifer (John Weeks of Minnetonka), and Katie (Shane Cullinan of Independence) all of Minneapolis, MN. Five Grandchildren Annie and Ryan Keiper, Greta, Erica and Megan Weeks. Tom is also survived by his brother Larry (Joyce) of Plymouth, a sister Karen (Cush Minar) of White Bear and brother Ron (Linda) of Grand Rapids and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Tom is preceded in death by his father Wesley Karkela, Mother Emilie Skoe, brother David.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Thursday, June 15, 2:00pm, visitation 1 hour before, at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church 17205 County Road 6 Plymouth, MN 55447. Following the service guests are welcome to coffee and dessert.

To view Tom' service via livestream, you can view on the church's website beginning at service time: https://spdlc.org/livestream/ .

We ask in lieu of flowers donations are preferred to Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation (T2T.org).