Thomas "Tom" Edward Andresen

Thomas “Tom” Edward Andresen, age 77, of Mankato, died unexpectedly at Mayo Clinic Health Systems - Mankato, surrounded by family on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. October 23, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mankato. Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m. on October 22, at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, North Mankato, and will continue one hour before service at the church on October 23.

Tom was born August 26, 1946, to Harry C. and Audrey L. (Lemieux) Andresen in Minneapolis, MN. He graduated from New Ulm Cathedral High School in 1965. Tom was united in marriage to Jean C. Armstrong on October 3, 1970, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Good Thunder. Tom loved to be creative and learned his trade while working after high school and eventually as a self-employed remodeling contractor from 1976 until his death.

Tom was truly one of a kind. He always had projects going, all of which started with his grandiose vision and the talent to see it through. He unapologetically led with his heart and saw treasures in everyone and everything.

Tom enjoyed attending classic car shows, Corvette rides with the light of his life, fixing all things, finding a good deal, and playing Santa Claus for the Good Thunder Fire Department (and many others) every year.

Tom was most proud of his family. He couldn’t wait to tell everyone about his kids and especially his grandkids. He was their first teacher and lifelong buddy. When he wasn’t working or tinkering with his latest project, he was with his family and friends always offering optimism, laughter, words of wisdom, or one of his famous one-liners. Tom always had a smile and story to tell. He would “whip a U-ey” and drop everything to help people. Tom always made sure there was dessert and that everyone got home safe.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jean; daughter, Kelly Andresen and children, Alia, Lydia, Macallan, Olivia, and Ciaran of Mankato; daughter, Kimberly (Jeremy) Greene and children, Taylor, Will and granddog, Maverick of Eagan; daughter, Kari (Tony) Bluth and child, Calvin of Mankato; two siblings, Todd (Linda) Andresen of St. Paul and Patricia “Pat” (Jim) Brandel of New Ulm; in-laws, Jerry Armstrong of Anchorage, AK, Jack (Debbie) Armstrong of Shakopee, Jeff (Deb) Armstrong of North Mankato, Jan Droste of Boone, IA, Joleen (Jim Gerhke) Armstrong of Northfield, Janel (Dan) Fox of Amboy, and brother-in-law Michael Hartman of Billings, MT; nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Clinton and Dolores Armstrong; grandbaby E; sister, Joan (Don Haubrich) Andresen; two sisters-in-law, Jane Armstrong and Jill Hartman; and brother-in-law, Robie Droste.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Upper Midwest, Miracle League of North Mankato, or donor’s choice.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Northview – North Mankato Mortuary.

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