Obituary for ​Thomas “Tom” Edward Schommer

Thomas “Tom” Edward Schommer was born November 22, 1945 in Minneapolis, MN to Henry and Olive Schommer.He graduated from Benilde High School in St Louis Park, MN in 1963.

Upon graduation he joined the Air Force at age 17 and served his country for 4 years in the Security Police Squadron as a Sentry Dog Handler, stationed in Germany at Spangdahlem Air Force Base.

Tom loved learning, and he spent two years attending classes at the University of Minnesota after discharge from the Air Force.It was there that he fell in love with Skydiving, joined the U of M Skydiving Club and ultimately made 830 jumps.Tom is a lifetime member of the United States Parachute Association and donated to the USPA Team Fund.

He joined the City of Minneapolis in 1970 as a truck driver, working first for the Public Works Department and later for the Water Department. He retired from the City after 30 years.

In 1981, Tom returned to his military roots and proudly served in the Minnesota Air National Guard until 1999.His first assignment was packing parachutes, and then he was promoted into the job he loved – flying as a Loadmaster on C-130 airplanes.Tom retired as a Master Sergeant and received many commendations during his military service including the Air Force Achievement medal, as well as additional decorations.

Tom began flying small airplanes in 1973, and achieved his private pilot license and instrument rating.The family flew many trips both locally and cross-country in Cessna 172’s.Another aircraft found it way into our hearts, and hot air ballooning became a great adventure.

Tom was active in the Knights of Columbus, North Minneapolis Council since high school, and served as Grand Knight in 1986-87.

After retirement from both the Air National Guard and the City of Minneapolis, Tom had time to develop his skills in other arenas.He purchased a guitar, took lessons, and without any previous musical training, learned to play.His favorite music is Bluegrass style, and he started a beginner jam so that he could play with other beginners.He has led the weekly jam for 18 years.Tom is a member of and became involved with Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association, supporting this association through donations of money and time spent volunteering at festivals and events.

In 1996, Tom was introduced to the Institute for Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy and he took all five levels of classes, and is Certified as an Advanced Healing Practitioner.He chaired the ISHA Foundation Scholarship committee, and went beyond his role with the Foundation, donating scholarships personally in order that people could attend the classes he loved.

Tom was always fascinated by boats and water.The most recent houseboat, Riff Raft, made many trips up and down the Mississippi River where Tom watched for eagles and enjoyed sharing the peace of the river with family, friends, and anyone who wanted a boat ride!

Tom died suddenly and unexpectedly on January 24, 2022.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara; Brothers and Sisters – Ann Louise Vosika (Dick), Jerry Schommer (Mary), Fred Schommer (Peggy), Rosalie Roepke (Bruce), Dan Schommer (Joyce), Greg Schommer (Jeanne Frank) and Mary Beth Schommer; cherished nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great great niece and nephews; his foster daughter Thuy Lam and her two sons.Preceding him in death were his parents, Henry and Olive Schommer and his brother Bob Schommer (Mary).

The Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Tom’s life will be held at St Alphonsus Catholic Church, 7025 Halifax Ave N, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429,Thursday May 26, 2022 at 11 am with visitation at 10 am and lunch after the service.Interment Fort Snelling at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome at the organizations Tom was passionate about supporting (or donors’ choice):

Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Associationwww.minnesotabluegrass.org

ISHA Foundation (Institute for Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy).13170 Central Ave., SEPMB 201

St Alphonsus Catholic Churchwww.stalsmn.org

United State Parachute Association, Team Fundwww.usparachuteteam.org

Gilda’s Club Twin Cities.www.GildasClubTwinCities.org

Minnesota Sinfoniawww.mnsinfonia@mnsinfonia.org