Thomas Alan Will

June 14, 1942 – July 5, 2026

Thomas Alan Will, age 84, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026.

Born on Flag Day, June 14, 1942, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Tom was a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, faithful friend, veteran, musician, traveler, and camper whose kindness, humor, and generous spirit enriched the lives of everyone who knew him. He embraced life with a servant's heart, an adventurous spirit, and a genuine love for family, friends, and sharing life's adventures with the people he loved. Tom never met a stranger—only a friend he hadn't gotten to know yet.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of more than 54 years, Patricia Will; his loving daughter, Sue Hom, and her husband, Jarred Hom; his cherished grandchildren, Chris Hom, Rachel Hom and her fiancé, Aaron Reichard, and Joey Hom; and his sister-in-law, Tracie Will. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Jenny Will; his brother, Stephen Will; and his parents, Clarence and Agnes Will.

On September 18, 1971, Tom married the love of his life, Patricia Collins. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, adventure, and friendships that lasted a lifetime. Whether traveling across the world or sitting around a campground fire with loved ones, Tom found his greatest joy simply being with the people he loved.

Tom's lifelong love of music began in elementary school when he first picked up the clarinet. What started as a childhood interest became a passion that remained with him throughout his life. Music opened the door to lifelong friendships, opportunities to serve, and countless treasured memories.

That passion led him to proudly serve his country for 24 years in the United States Army and Army National Guard. Before joining the 451st Army Band, he served in Army National Guard bands in both North Dakota and Minnesota. From 1987 until his retirement in 1998, he was a member of the 451st Army Band, where he played the clarinet and served as the band's Training NCO for 11 years. Following his military retirement, Tom remained devoted to his fellow musicians and veterans, serving for many years as Treasurer of the Association of Minnesota Army Band Veterans. His fellow band members remember him not only for his exceptional musicianship and leadership, but also for his kindness, sense of humor, and steadfast friendship.

Tom turned his love of travel into a lifelong career. As a Certified Travel Counselor, he spent many years helping others discover the world through his work with Lufthansa, Northwest Airlines, and the travel industry. His passion for exploring new places, meticulous planning, and genuine care for people made him a trusted guide in creating unforgettable journeys.

Later in his career, Tom continued serving others through transportation, driving school buses for Schmitty & Sons and later driving for the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA). Whether helping someone plan the trip of a lifetime or safely bringing passengers to their destination, Tom took pride in serving others with kindness and professionalism.

Travel wasn't simply Tom's profession—it was his passion. Over the course of his life, Tom traveled to Europe more than twenty times, embracing its history, cultures, and people. One of his proudest adventures was leading an American Youth Hostels bicycle tour through Europe, sharing his love of travel with others. Tom and Pat also cherished traveling with their lifelong friends, enjoying numerous cruises and creating memories together that would last a lifetime.

Equally dear to Tom's heart was camping. Shortly after marrying in 1971, Tom and Pat purchased their first tent trailer, beginning nearly five decades of camping adventures together. Through the years they owned everything from travel trailers to a motorhome, eventually fulfilling a lifelong dream of spending winters in Arizona. They continued camping until Tom's Alzheimer's journey began in 2019. Some of their happiest memories were made around campfires with family and dear friends, especially during their annual summer vacations at Burlington Bay Campground in Two Harbors along Minnesota's beautiful North Shore.

Faith was the foundation of Tom's life. As a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church, he faithfully attended worship services and generously gave of his time as an usher, Sunday school teacher, and volunteer, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. His quiet servant's heart and unwavering faith were evident in the way he cared for others and lived his life each day.

After moving to Highview Hills Senior Living, Tom continued to find comfort and strength in his faith by regularly attending the weekly Songs and Prayers service led by Chaplain Grace. Her compassion, encouragement, and friendship were a tremendous blessing to Tom and a source of comfort to both Tom and his family throughout his Alzheimer's journey.

Tom was known for his loving heart, gentle kindness, and wonderful sense of humor. He found great joy in making others smile, especially his grandchildren. When they were young, one of their favorite traditions was Grandpa Tom's magic show, where he would transform himself with a hat, cape, oversized dentures, and even a mischievous fart machine. Those performances were filled with laughter and became treasured memories that his family will cherish forever.

Tom was also a longtime member of the Lions Club and believed deeply in serving both his community and his country. Whether playing his clarinet, planning a dream vacation, exploring Europe, camping beneath the stars, or simply enjoying time with family and friends, Tom lived a life rich with purpose, generosity, laughter, and quiet joy.

Those who knew Tom will remember his compassion, quiet strength, unwavering generosity, and ability to bring laughter wherever he went. His life was a testament to service, kindness, curiosity, and love. Though Alzheimer's gradually stole many of his memories, it could never diminish the remarkable life he lived or the countless lives he touched.

Tom's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Highview Hills Senior Living and to Chaplain Grace, whose friendship, prayers, and unwavering support brought comfort to Tom and to those who loved him. Their kindness, compassion, and dedication will never be forgotten.

A Celebration of Tom's Life will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 7800 150th Street West, Apple Valley, Minnesota. Cookies and refreshments will be served immediately following the service.

Private family interment with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Association of Minnesota Army Band Veterans or to a charity of your choice.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Online condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com

COUNTY ROAD 42 / 150TH STREET CONSTRUCTION
Here is what Dakota County posted online for the upcoming project in our area. The intersection of County Road 42 and Pennock Avenue is set to close July 13-24. Please follow the posted detours. You can reach the church parking lot entrance on Pennock from the south only. Or through the neighborhood to the back gates. **Note: this is specific construction, not the easement we voted about on June 7th.