Thomas “Tom” Craig McCormack, age 72, of Saint Francis, Minn., passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023. On September 15, 1951, Tom was born in La Crosse, Wis., to Dorothy Mae McCormack (Onsgard), who grew up in Houston, Minn., and William B. McCormack.
Tom attended elementary school for two years in Houston and later graduated from Robbinsdale High School. In high school, Tom was a member of the football team and band, where he played the trumpet. After high school, Tom was admitted to a technical school in Staples, Minn., where he learned the trade of heavy equipment operator. After graduation, he worked on many large projects including the construction of Interstate 90. He later attended Dunwoody Institute and was certified as an auto body repair and refinishing specialist. He went on to open his own body shop, which he operated for five years. Tom then decided to follow his passion for adventure and became an over the road truck driver. During his driving career, he visited most areas of the United States and had many stories of his experiences and the many friends he made.
Tom was never at a loss for words and always had a smile on his face. He enjoyed meeting new people and always enjoyed starting up a conversation with a total stranger. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and cherished being with his special friend Kay Hall and her three daughters, who held a special place in his heart. He was very thankful for the love and support he received from family and friends throughout the years.
An avid lover of dogs during his life, Tom and his Cavashon, Tanner and Schnauzer, Scout were inseparable. Tom’s other passions were gardening, landscaping and visiting the family cabin on West Bearskin Lake off the Gunflint Trail. Tom helped build the cabin and was constantly making improvements in hopes of fulfilling his dream of making it a destination for family and friends to enjoy for many years. He also enjoyed being outdoors, including fishing and boating. He was an enthusiastic sports fan and cheered on the Minnesota teams in football, baseball and volleyball and even cheered on the Wisconsin Badgers when they were not playing Minnesota.
Tom is survived by brothers Bill and John McCormack and sister Ann Wood, together with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members. A celebration of his life will be scheduled for some time in June 2024 in Houston, Minn., at Cross the Christ Lutheran Church, with internment at the Stone Church Cemetery.