Thomas James Schirber, 72, died peacefully in his sleep on March 2 in Oceanside, California, in the RV he and his wife Deb shared. Each December, they would make the annual trek from Minnesota to California, stopping along the way to see family and friends. They cherished their time in California, spending several months camping near the beach at Paradise by the Sea, biking along the coast, eating tacos, walking their dog Harley, and spending time with their daughter Jenny and the four grandkids.

Tom was born in Hot Springs, SD, on May 1, 1951, and raised in Bismarck, ND, where he met his high school sweetheart, Deb Amos. They married in 1971. He attended St. John’s University, where he played football and sang in the Men’s Chorus. Tom graduated in 1972 with a degree in Philosophy. He soon began his career in youth ministry moving the family to Bismarck, Stillwater, Austin, TX, and back to Bismarck in 1983. They raised their four kids in Bismarck before moving back to Stillwater in 1997. Tom finished his career working for the Wilder Foundation and as a Research Fellow for the University of Minnesota’s Building Sciences Department.

Tom was the kind of special human that none of us deserved. He believed in giving through service and he led by example. Most of his career was dedicated to non-profit work, in addition to serving on multiple boards for the cause nearest to his heart – affordable housing. He had a generous soul and always made time for friends and relatives – whether they needed an ear, construction advice, or help fixing a garbage disposal. Tom was always eager to help.

Tom’s passion for music was evident until the end of his life. He would play his guitar, make music in his “recording studio,” and share it with friends and family. Many who spent time with Tom benefited from a guitar lesson and shared love of his favorite bands.

Tom is preceded in death by his mother Rita Schirber (Alspach) and father Richard Schirber. Tom is survived by his wife, Deb, and his children Kelly Lainsbury (Dan Lainsbury), Steve Schirber (Mimi Schirber), Jenny Schirber and Laura Schirber; nine precious grandchildren: Mazie (22), Olivia (21), Danny (20), Jackson (18), Izzy (18), Claire (16), Audrey (15), Jake (12) and Matty (9); Loving siblings Mary Beth Schirber (Dave), Linda Gagnon (David), Kathy Schirber (Kevin), Dick Schirber (Carol), Tony Schirber (Linda); and 17 nieces and nephews.

Please join us to remember Tom with music, fellowship, and stories on April 19 at 11 AM.

• Eddie Manderville Chalet in Theodore Wirth Park
• 1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55422
• Lunch will be served after
• *Please note this facility is not ADA-compliant. Please let us know if you need assistance.

In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering for your favorite charity in honor of Tom’s memory or donate to Young Life or Urban Homeworks. 

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