Thomas L. Mazanec  of Burnsville, MN. Passed away peacefully on 8/1/24 surrounded by his children, their spouses and his grandchildren.  Tom was born in Ironwood Michigan on 10/17/35 and grew up in nearby Bessemer.  Although he left the UP, he never lost that small-town sensibility which served him well throughout his life.

He earned both his BA and MBA '58 from the University of Michigan Business School.  He also met future wife Sharon in Ann Arbor.  Together they shared a life-long affinity for their alma mater and its various sports teams.  The Big Ten Network was always the favorite channel on the home TV.  After spending 10+ years working for Michigan Bell in the Detroit area, they moved their young family to the Twin Cities as Tom pursued an opportunity in management at Toro in 1970.  He decided that corporate work wasn't his calling in 1974 and embarked on a career in small business when he opened Champion Sports in Burnsville.  He acquired the Northfield store location in the early 1980s.  Tom also partnered with long-time friend Ross Nelson including ownership in apple orchards and real estate.  He did this while remaining a devoted family man -- coaching his kids' sports teams, serving as Cub Scout pack leader, and being involved at church.  The golden rule growing up at the Mazanec house was dinner together as a family every night.

Tom and Sharon supported their grandchildren in all endeavors - school, sports, and other functions - often criss-crossing the Twin Cities to see multiple events on a single day.  He cherished time at the family cabin on Sand Lake in Cumberland, WI.  Tom proudly served on the board and as an officer of both the Minnesota Retailers Association and the Sand Lake District board.

Preceded in death by wife of 57 years, Sharon.  Survived by his sons Greg (Jill), Matt (Christine) and daughter Jenn (Rob) and ten grandchildren.  A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, 8/20 at Church of the Risen Savior in Burnsville.  Visitation at 10 am followed by Mass at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Minnesota Masonic Home.