Thomas Williams

Tom Williams, of Crosslake, MN passed away suddenly one day before his 81st birthday. He died peacefully at home. Born in St. Paul, Tom attended Cretin High School and graduated from the College of St. Thomas and Hamlin University. He was married to his love, Mary Kay (Kate) Laughlin for 58 years and together they raised two children in Minneapolis. He owned and ran an advertising agency for 35 years and retired in Crosslake. Tom's joy was his family and he loved to read and listen to music. He had many travel adventures and relished planning the trips he took with Kate and friends. Tom also had a “wee” bit of the Irish in him and most especially loved all things Ireland. He was 45 years sober and was instrumental in establishing Alcoholics Anonymous support groups in Minneapolis and Crosslake. He made himself available to all who sought him out for support or just to listen.

Never one to meet a stranger, everyone who knew him will miss his quick Irish wit, his funny stories, his kind, gentle manner and most of all his extraordinary thoughtfulness.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Kay (Kate); his children, Kevin and Mollie (Dan); and three very beloved grandchildren, Logan, Rachel and Ryan. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Bernadette (Kane) Williams, and his brother, Gary.

Memorials can be sent in Tom's name to Camp Knutson, a camp for individuals with disabilities and identified medical issues at 11148 Manhattan Point Boulevard, Crosslake, MN 56442.

A private family service will be held on Friday, March 12. Internment will be in Swanburg Cemetery, Pine River. A celebration of life for all who loved Tom will be held at the family home in Crosslake on June 12.