Thomas Uselman

Thomas Peter Uselman, age 85, of Wadena, MN died peacefully on April 13, 2009 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Thomas “Toby” was born of twelve children to Louis and Elizabeth (Hanebuth) Uselman on August 3, 1923. Tom was born in the family farm house and farmed with his father during his early life working with neighbors running threshing business and working with his brothers. He eventually purchased the farm from his father, as agriculture became his passion. He was always very close to his brothers and sisters. He was united in marriage to Genevieve “Jennie” Budig on October 5, 1953 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena. Thomas and Jenny raised six children on the family dairy farm west of Wadena and were happily married for fifty-five years. Tom also worked with Arnold Theisen Electric during his earlier years in farming and the two farmed together as close friends and neighbors. In later retirement years Tom and Jenny moved into Wadena and resided in southeast Wadena, and after seven years enjoyed many friendships in the community of Humphrey Manor. Tom was always involved in the church at St. John the Baptist Church in Bluffton, where he served on the parish council, and St. Ann’ Catholic Church. He was a member of Knights of Columbus. Tom was known for his openness, honesty, and willingness to help neighbors. His sense of humor and smile was always present as he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family in many activities of fishing, hunting, and playing cards during family visits. Farming and family were always the fabric of his life. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Elizabeth; brothers, George, Frank, Nick, Leo, Peter “Spitz”, and Mike; and sisters, Marie (Bill) Walz, and Elizabeth “Betty” (Ron) Ronayae. He is survived by his loving wife Jennie; children, Christopher (Darlene) Uselman of Bell Foursche, SD, Bruce (Joyce) Uselman of Wadena, Tim (Tamara) Uselman of Perham, JoAnn (Gerald) Radermacher of Grand Rapids, Jean Uselman of Pine Dale, WY, and Lisa (John) Wegscheid of Wadena.; 13 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren; sisters, Laurie (John) Brauch, “Susie” (George) Ditsworth, and “Dottie” (Gary) Towery; and many nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena with Father Donald Wagner as celebrant. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Chad Uselman, Larry Uselman, Lance Uselman, Michael Wensman, Thomas Uselman, and Tony Wegscheid. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Wadena.

Thomas Uselman

August 3, 1923 - April 13, 2009