Obituary of Thomas Joseph Spaniol, Sr.

Born Sept 07, 1929, in Saint Paul, Minnesota and passed away October 28, 2022, surrounded by family in Woodbury, Minnesota at the age of 93.  Preceded in death by wife of 58 years, Delores; daughter Yvonne Anderson; parents John and Eva Spaniol; brother John Spaniol; grandsons Robert Ross and David Anderson.  Survived by children Tom (Kelly) Spaniol Jr., Debbie (Jim) Ross, Bill (Susan) Spaniol, Maryann (Jeff) Passolt, Jan (Bill) Turnquist, Denise (Joe) Coursolle, Theresa (Jim) Trollen; son-in-law Jerry Anderson; 27 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren with another due this month.

Thomas was employed by the Great Northern Railway on August 8, 1948 (age 18) until he retired from Burlington Northern Railroad on May 28, 1993 (age 63) as a Locomotive Engineer.  Post retirement, he worked as a shuttle driver for Wally McCarthy Cadillac for 20 years (age 83).   During this period, he continued his passion for trains and was hired as a Locomotive Engineer for Minnesota Zephyr dinner train operating out of Stillwater, Minnesota.   We feel blessed to have received his support, love, and guidance during his life.  His cheerful attitude, blue eyes and bright smile will be missed by many.     

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 5, at 11:30 am, at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 1938 Stanford Avenue South, St. Paul, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the church. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery.   Thomas will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his many relatives and friends.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Nativity of Our Lord School or Saint Thomas Academy Scholarship Funds as these are schools where he received his education.