Tom passed away peacefully at home, Sunday, April 6th, 2025 surrounded by his family.
Thomas James Paumen was born September 28, 1940, the seventh of fourteen children born to Leonard and Muriel (Pribyl) Paumen. Tom was the last child to be born on the family farm, located between Ramsey Lake and Rasset in rural Maple Lake, MN. As a very young child he was tasked with hauling firewood, feeding chickens and picking eggs. He attended country school for first and second grade. He attended St. Timothy’s Parochial School third thru eight grade and graduated from Maple Lake High School in 1958.
Tom wanted to join the US Army after graduation, however, he was only seventeen years old which required parental signature. After completing basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, he was stationed at Ford Ord, CA for two years. Tom served as a cook and prepared three daily meals for over 400 soldiers. Upon completing his two-year enlistment, Tom was honorably discharged and returned to Minnesota. Tom remained in the Army Reserves for three years following active duty.
On June 10, 1967, Tom was united in marriage to Linda Micka at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Edina, MN. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Paul and Paula. Tom and Linda lived in Loretto, MN for thirty years in a home that Tom built.
The years following his military service, Tom worked at Scott Atwater, Federal Carton and Container, and Twin City Ready Mix. Tom spent three years at Wrico Stamping and Clow stamping where he learned and honed the skills he then used to start Hamel Stamping in 1972 along with his brother Maurice. In 1980, two years after buying out his brothers shares, Tom moved the company and general contracted a 6000 sq ft building in Loretto, MN. With the move to the new location, the company name was changed to HSI Metal Stamping. With the help of his wife and children, Paul and Paula, the family business grew, requiring two additional building expansions at the Loretto location for a total of 20,000 sq ft. That space was soon not large enough to accommodate the growing business and in 1997, HSI moved to Buffalo, MN to a new 40,000 sq ft building which Tom again general contracted. Continued business growth resulted in a 30,000 sq ft addition that was added to the Buffalo facility in 2007. HSI celebrated 50 years in business in 2022, and continues to succeed under family leadership which includes the addition of the third generation.
Tom spent countless hours volunteering in the Loretto community. Tom was on the committee that started the first parish council at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Loretto. He served two terms on the parish council, as a trustee, and was a member of the finance committee. He was a chairman of the parish festival and served decades as an usher. Tom also chaired the St. Peter and Paul school addition project. Tom was a member of Ducks Unlimited and was a charter member of the Minnesota Darkhouse Association. Tom was a proud member of the Loretto Lions Club for many years, serving as Vice President, President and Zone Chairman.
In 1975, Tom and Linda bought a lake lot on Long Lake in Isanti County. Tom spent his weekends for many years building his favorite place for rest and relaxation. For over 45 years, Tom enjoyed time spent at the lake fishing, gardening, and entertaining friends and family on weekends. Tom also loved spending time on the golf course with decades long friends. In 1999, Tom and Linda moved into their new home in Buffalo, MN and became members of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
Tom enjoyed travelling the world with Linda. Together they visited all 50 States, 7 Canadian Provinces, 9 Mexican cities, 2 Central American countries, 15 European countries, and 11 Caribbean Islands. They enjoyed many weekend getaways with friends on the Mississippi River, and fun road trips to interesting Midwest cities and small towns.
Tom was blessed with two wonderful grandchildren, Mitchell and Victoria. Tom’s greatest joy came from supporting them in their many activities and athletics. He was always proudly in the front row on the bleachers or front row of the theatre.
Tom is survived by Linda, his loving wife of 57 years; his children Paul Paumen of Delano and Paula (Paul) Herda of Buffalo; grandchildren, Mitchell Valli and fiancé Kate Polman, and Victoria Herda and fiancé Logan Vajda; sisters, Marcella Schauffler, Mary Van Offeren, Jean (Gary) Neutz; brothers, Gerald (Joyce), Maurice (Karen), Richard (Judy), John (Nancy), David (Marlene) and Greg (Diane); brother-in-law Douglas (Rene’) Micka; and many other cherished relatives and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Muriel Paumen; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Earl and Lucille Micka; sister, Lenore; brothers, Russell, Robert, and Douglas; sisters-in-law, Martha, Lavonne, and Wanda and brothers-in-law, Norbert (Birdie) Schauffler and George Van Offeren.
In honor of Tom’s legacy, HSI has established the Thomas J. Paumen Memorial Scholarship that will be given annually to a student studying Tool and Die/Machine Trades, carrying on his legacy of stewardship and mentorship.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Buffalo, MN at 11:00 a.m. Visitation prior to mass beginning at 9:00 a.m. Luncheon will be at the church immediately following the mass.
Interment following the luncheon at 2:00 p.m. at St. Charles Cemetery in rural Maple Lake MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN