Thomas “Tom” Henry Koopmeiners, age 78, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota passed away on February 18, 2025. He started his annual two months stay in Orange Beach the first of January. Shortly thereafter, he developed AML, a particularly aggressive form of Leukemia. Immediate, aggressive treatment was initiated. Unfortunately, he developed multiple complications resulting in dramatic up and down days. Tom finally decided to opt for comfort care. After spending several days surrounded by family and friends, he died peacefully.
Tom was born on July 31, 1946, in Melrose, Minnesota, to Joseph and Evelyn (Pohlman) Koopmeiners, the oldest of four children.
After high school, including one year in Osakis, he spent a year at Minnesota School of Business following which he enlisted in the United States Air Force on May 16, 1966. He served multiple assignments but most enjoyed his multiple years in Germany. He often spoke of his apartment with a garden and his landlords Fritz and Margaret. While not talking much about his job, he clearly was most proud of his work in support of U-2 and SR51 reconnaissance missions. Despite a busy military schedule, he completed his BA degree from the University of Maryland and served as a tour guide on weekends. After 20 years he achieved the rank of Senior Master Sargent, a remarkable accomplishment. He retired on May 31, 1986.
Still wanting to serve, he found a new home with the Department of Defense. Tom began his job with the Army Corp of Engineers in 1987. He was the small business contracting officer for the St. Paul District. The flood season was particularly challenging. He enjoyed the challenge as he supported many local and state agencies in the flood zones. His dedication and diligence was recognized in 2003 when he received the National Small Business Contract Officer Award. Being a lifelong learner, he also completed his MBA from St. Thomas University. He retired, again in 2012.
Of his many hobbies, square dancing was his favorite. Maybe it was his favorite, because it was there he met and fell in love with Luanne Rasset, who he married November 21, 1987. Their son Daniel was the center of Tom’s attention, keeping score at his ball games, going to band concerts and many other school events.
Daniel married Courtney Nelson on October 4th, 2014. Together they have three children: Lauren, Hannah and Noah. Tom enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren reading, playing games and just cuddling on the sofa. He also enjoyed golf with Luanne, pinochle with the guys and commiserating with the “Liars Club.” Reading new authors and his unmatched skill with spreadsheets kept him busy. (If anyone wants to know the cost of pencils and paper in 1998, you could probably find it in one of his home expense spreadsheets.)
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Luanne; son, Daniel (Courtney), grandchildren, Lauren , Hannah and Noah; brothers, Steve (Judy) and Michael (Heidi) and many cousins, other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Evelyn Koopmeiners, and his sister Marilyn Sherve and son-in-law Greg Sherve.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025 at the Church of St. Gerard Majella, 9600 Regent North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443, with visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Full military honors will be provided by the Kraus-Hartig VFW Honor Guard Rifle Squad following mass. In lieu of flowers, any donations made will be provided to the Fisher House Foundation, (fisher house.org) which builds comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital.
www.kozlakradulovich.com
763-416-0016