Tom Carew Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Tom Wheadon Carew, age 89, passed away on June 3, 2022, at CHI St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids, MN. The memorial service celebrating the life of Tom Carew of Park Rapids and formerly of Wadena, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, at the United Methodist Church in Hubbard, MN with Pastor Lauren Hauger presiding. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Tom was born to Harold and Florence (Wheadon) Carew on March 28, 1933 in Wadena, MN. His childhood was spent in Deer Creek, where he graduated from high school in 1951. Tom was always proud to be a “Creek-er!” Upon graduation, he attended Hamline University in St. Paul for two years. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for two years, stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge, Tom returned to Hamline to finish his degree. It was then that he met Rita Belle Lewis. They were united in marriage on December 27, 1957, in Wahpeton, ND. Following their marriage, Tom graduated with degrees in Business and Art. He then started working for Land O’ Lakes Feed and Seed as a sales representative. Tom always had a desire to own and operate his own business. In 1965, this became a reality when Tom and Rita purchased Wadena Floral. They enjoyed nearly 20 years successfully serving Wadena and the surrounding communities. In 1982, they sold the floral shops and greenhouses. He then began selling wholesale supplies for Lakeland Floral Supply out of Minneapolis. He also dabbled in real estate over the years, first individually, and then with two close friends. Tom was a true entrepreneur! In 1999, Tom and Rita built a home on Long Lake near Park Rapids, directly across the lake from the family’s cabin, where they had enjoyed summers for 30 years. Once in their new home, Tom planted and tended beautiful flower gardens. Later, Tom worked with Hafner’s Greenhouse of Park Rapids setting up their retail sales displays and promotions. Tom enjoyed the connection that he made with coworkers and many customers. His flair for many art forms was a lifelong passion, especially in floral design. Tom had a strong Christian faith and love of the Lord. For many years he sang in the Hubbard United Methodist Church choir and decorated the church with fresh floral arrangements. As a family man, Tom was exceedingly proud of his “four girls” and loved them dearly. He is survived by his loving wife, Rita; daughters: Julie (Paul) Mutch of Larimore, ND, Martha (Daniel) Holzer of Bismarck, ND, and Cynthia of St. Cloud, MN. Deeply missing Grandpa Tom are Nathan (Ellen) Borgen, Mackenzie (Christopher) Neamonitis, Nicholas (Shadai) Holzer, Meredith (Christian) Prevost, Alexander Mutch; great-grandsons, Charlie and Finn Borgen; along with a multitude of friends who were very important to him. Preceding Tom in death were his parents, Harold and Florence; sister, Jo Marie; and brother, Robert. Memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice.

Tom Carew

March 28, 1933 - June 3, 2022