Thomas Patrick Horan

Thomas Patrick Horan was welcomed into eternal life on October 9, 2025, joyfully reunited with his beloved wife, Marcia. He left this world just as he lived it: surrounded by love, humor, and a deep sense of faith. 

Born on March 10, 1938, in Mankato, MN, Tom grew up with three brothers: Dick, Rock, and Denny. Their parents, Bud and Mae, had their hands full. Like his brothers, Tom developed a strong work ethic, quick wit, and an abiding sense of duty to his family and community. He believed that any task worth doing was worth finishing completely—preferably before lunch. He was a notoriously early riser. After graduating from Loyola High School in Mankato, he served in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that deepened his lifelong sense of discipline, duty, and pride in country. 

Tom’s successful professional life was marked by integrity and hard work. He started out climbing poles for Northwestern Bell and went on to become a regional leader, retiring after 36 years with the “telephone company,” as he called it. Retirement didn’t last long—shortly after, he became Secretary/Treasurer for the Minnesota Dakotas District of Kiwanis International, serving as the district’s paid administrator. He was the quintessential Kiwanian, a member for over 50 years, holding leadership roles from the club level to the district level and beyond. Tom wholeheartedly believed in the spirit of Kiwanis: that kids need adults who care. Kiwanis International hit the jackpot when Tom Horan became a Kiwanian. 

His legacy, however, extends far beyond any job title or position he held. Tom invested in things that mattered—friendships, faith, and a family grounded in love, laughter, and resilience. He often shared that his greatest accomplishment was convincing Marcia May Adamson to marry him on November 5, 1960. He was the best husband, most evident when he cared for her during her decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s. After her passing, he dedicated the remaining years of his life to honoring her. 

He cherished spending time with his family and friends. Whether it was dinners out, watching his kids and grandkids compete in various sports, going to Concordia football games, attending theater performances, choir concerts, or simply being wherever Marsh told him he needed to be, he was always up for it. He wasn’t an adventurous eater, didn’t like surprises, and could be particular—but if he ever got owly, Marsh would calm him down with a point of her finger and that stern look in her eye, calling his name in the way only she could. He had a gift for storytelling, often delivered with an Irish twinkle in his eye. Those stories are sure to keep us smiling for years to come. His children and grandchildren will remember countless lessons, always wrapped in humor and heart.

Tom’s faith was the foundation of his life. He lived it not by preaching, but by showing grace in motion—steady, humble, and ever grateful. He prayed the rosary more than the Pope, or so it seemed. If he said he prayed for you, you can be sure he did. There are many notes with lists of names for prayers. Tom’s family will be forever grateful for the community he experienced through daily Mass and rosary group at St. Joe’s, a source of faithful friendship and support in his late years. 

Tom is survived by his children: Tim (Sandy) Horan of New Lisbon, WI; Susan (John) Kilene of Fargo, ND; Terry (Michelle) Horan of Moorhead, MN; and Ted (Rachel) Horan of Moorhead, MN; eight grandchildren: Tyler (Paige), Travis (Tara), Meghan (Brennan), Thomas (fiancé Kennedy), Lydia, Tate, Annie, and Jonah; four great-grandchildren: Ellie, Talon, Carter, and Palmer; two brothers: Richard Horan and Dennis (Carol) Horan; two sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Adamson and Sharon Horan; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marcia, his brother Gerald “Rock” Horan, his brother-in-law Steve Adamson, sister-in-law Joyce and his parents James and Mary Horan. 

Memorials may be sent to HIA Hospice, Concordia College, or the Minnesota-Dakotas District Kiwanis Educational Foundation (1106 14th St N, Fargo ND 58102). He would have appreciated flowers too--“flowers brighten up a funeral.”

Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M., Monday, October 20, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN. A livestream of the service will be available here on Thomas' webpage. Burial will be at 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Calvary Cemetery, Mankato, MN.