Thomas Dammann obituary
I have passed away on October 19, 2024, at the age of 64 and the culprit is kidney cancer. I was given the bad news in the month of April 2021, but thanks to modern medicine and the many prayers from many people the disease was kept at bay for another three years. I was born in Lake City, Minnesota on October 15, 1960, to parents LaVerne and Arlys (Meyer) Dammann. I had the legal name of Thomas Laverne Dammann but was mostly known by other names such as Julie’s Husband, Carston’s Dad, or Morgan’s Dad. All names I was proud of and welcomed additional names such as Anna (Johnson) Dammann’s and Diego Nevares’ father-in-law.
I am proud to be the fifth generation raised on the Dammann family farm. Whatever profession I undertook had to provide me with the opportunity to stay on the farm. I wanted to keep the farm boy in me. On July 12, 1986, I married my one true love, Julie (Heppelmann). We shared a wonderful life and two children (Carston and Morgan) together. In 2007 I did a professional about face and received my Associate of Applied Science Degree in nursing from the Rochester Community and Technical College. I worked as a Registered Nurse in the Internal Medicine Department doing cardiac stress testing at Fairview Hospital and Clinic in Red Wing, Minn. In 2016 I got a job at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, where I also did cardiac stress testing in the echo and nuclear labs. I worked there up to and past my cancer diagnosis before going on disability leave. In March 2021, at the age of sixty, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Augsburg University.
My passion lies in the outdoors. I loved the land and what it holds and produces. The outdoors afforded me the opportunity to use the land for more than just farming. I biked, hiked, raced, camped, hunted, or just enjoyed the serenity of the outdoors. My greatest passion was outdoor rock climbing. I started climbing as a young man and carried it through as something I passed on to my kids. Rock climbing is a legacy they can celebrate for me by mastering the sport.
The greatest pride in my life was my children. I found joy in attending their musical, sports, academic, and church activities. I taught, mentored, and coached them the best I could, and they grew to be outstanding young adults. Finally, I would like to thank my wife for making me the man I was. Without her I would not have achieved these things.
I was blessed to be surrounded by Julie and my kids on the cancer journey, especially these last couple of weeks. I also had a few very close and dear friends and family who provided comfort and support.
My life has always been science as well as faith based, so when I was finally unable to conquer the cancer, I chose to bequeath my body to help further the abilities of doctors and nurses at the Mayo Clinic. This is where I wanted to give back.
Come join in the Celebration of Life for me on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Lake City, Minn. with Pastor Paul Miller presiding. Friends and family may visit from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Memorials are preferred to: www.accessfund.org, First Lutheran Church of Lake City, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel. Guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com.