Thomas J. “Tom” Case

Thomas J. Case of Moorhead, MN, passed away peacefully in his home under the care of hospice and his loving family on Friday, April 8, 2022.

Tom was born in Grand Forks, ND, August 20, 1944, to Dana M. and Bernice (McGuire) Case. He grew up in East Grand Forks, MN, attending Sacred Heart School graduating in 1962. Tom graduated from Bemidji State University in 1966 and continued his education at MSUM earning grad credits beyond the BS 105.

Mr. Case became a 4th grade teacher at Probstfield Elementary School in Moorhead in 1966. He was an active educator for 34 years serving on school related committees. His greatest honor during that time was being voted by his peers as Probstfield Teacher of the year in 1987, which lead to being named Moorhead Teacher of the year. Tom considered learning a life-long process and stated that keeping in touch with former students is one of the real fringe benefits of his profession. Beyond the classroom Tom taught “Skills for Outdoor Living” as a summer class. His creativity in the classroom included introducing Origami to his students. Tom retired in 2000.

Tom married his best friend Mary Clausen in 1965 and they raised their 3 Sons: Dan, Jeff, and Jamie in their “starter home” where Tom lived until his death.

Tom’s list of priorities was Faith, Family, Friends. He was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a loving husband that made sure Mary had one single rose on the kitchen table every week for 54 years, and an involved father and grandfather. He loved making memories with his boys on family camping trips and fishing trips. His attendance at his grandkids activities was guaranteed – as well as hours spent playing games together at home. Tom was an avid reader and loved to bike and travel. He has many longtime friends that have been a great treasure to him.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Paul, infant brother, Patrick and infant sister, Mary.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Dan (Jennie) Case, Jeff (Kim) Case, Jamie (Cassandra Lyons) Case; grandchildren, Riley, Sam, Kenzie Case, Madeline Tschappat-Larson, Hillary Larson, Livia Lyons Lux; extended family, Chuck Clausen, Candy Clausen, Lyle (Donna McLean) Clausen, Paul Clausen, Steven (Suzie) Clausen, Grace (Kent) Asheim, and Kathy (Todd) Johnston; 7 nieces and 5 nephews.

Tom saw more beauty in a single rose than a bouquet of them. Mary will present him with his last rose. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 4-7 PM with a wake service at 7:00 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 11:00 with a visitation one hour before the service at the Church. A livestream of the service will be available here on Tom’s obituary page.

Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.