Thomas "Tom" Mandsager

Thomas R Mandsager, age 69, died May 2, 2021 at his home in Mt. Iron, MN. His dog Joey,
his constant companion, was by his side. Tom was born October 30, 1951 in Hibbing, MN.
He graduated from Hibbing High School in 1969, where he sang in the choir and was an elite
competitor on the swim team. Tom qualified for the state championships in the 100 yd
butterfly and 200 yd medley relay. He graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD
in 1973.
Tom ventured out west, laying roots in Coeur d’Alene, ID and Spokane, WA where he met
the love of his life, Marcea. They spent much of their free time at Tom’s “heaven on earth”,
as he referred to their cabin on the beautiful Priest Lake, ID. His love for ‘lake life’ started at
the Mandsager cabin on Side Lake, MN. Summers were spent water skiing, swimming,
boating, and hanging out with his “Side Lake Family”, with whom he remained close until
his death.
Tom was a natural athlete at anything he tried, from iceskating and downhill skiing to
waterskiing and basketball. Though Tom really enjoyed all sports. He was an enthusiastic
spectator with a keen memory for athlete stats and notable moments in sports history. Tom
loved the great outdoors and had an appreciation for a tempered pace to life. He honored
traditions and valued simple joys.
Tom was a purchasing agent for Servatron in Spokane, WA. He retired in 2016 and moved
back to Minnesota in 2019.
Tom is survived by his sister Mary (Cris) Anderson of St. Petersburg, FL, Charles (Kari)
Mandsager of Side Lake, MN, former wife Marcea Miller, stepson’s Ryan (Tami) and Jason
(Kristi) Peplinski, niece Nikki (Chad) Naberhaus, nephews Dustin (Laura) Anderson and
Alex Mandsager, and five great nieces and nephews. Tom loved his family very much and
had special bonds with each member. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Luther and
Geraldine Mandsager.
Services will be held at 3 pm on August 7, 2021 at The Chapel of the Pines at Side Lake.
Celebration of Life to follow at The Riverside.