Thomas Lee DeFrance

Thomas “Tom” Lee DeFrance, 71 year old of rural Burtrum, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at his home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. John’s Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place at the church one hour before the service. A Rosary will be prayed at 9:45 AM that morning at the church. Burial will take place at the church cemetery at a later date.
Not everyone can say they were born on an island, but Thomas Lee DeFrance could. He was born on December 12, 1953, in Pearl City, Hawaii, on an Air Force base where his father was proudly stationed. From the beginning, Tom’s life was rooted in service, family, and adventure—values he carried with him throughout his years.
Tom was the son of LaRoyce and Ruth (Lohrbach) DeFrance. After completing their military service, LaRoyce and Ruth moved their growing family to Grove City, Minnesota, then to Winona, and eventually settled in Perham, a town that became their forever home. It was in Perham that Tom graduated from high school, laying the foundation for a life full of dedication and quiet determination.
Following graduation, Tom attended Detroit Lakes Technical College, where he majored in Auto Body. It was there that he discovered a lifelong passion for tinkering, fixing, and figuring out just about anything mechanical. Whether it was a car, an appliance, or a broken toy, Tom was always the one who believed he could fix it and more often than not, he did.
It was during his time in tech school that fate stepped in. Introduced by a friend, Tom met Karen Sobotka, and the two quickly formed a bond that would last a lifetime. They were united in marriage on August 31, 1974, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville, Minnesota. Together, they built a life centered around love, laughter, and family.
In 1976, they welcomed their first daughter, Annie. To their joyful surprise, three more daughters followed: Kari, Cassie, and Tracy. Tom embraced fatherhood with quiet strength, steady presence, and an unwavering commitment to his family.
Tom starting his working career in autobody, he would eventually work at a gas station as the mechanic, again a man that tried and could fix anything, a hardware store and eventually started his own HVAC and plumbing business, until retirement. Tom frequently picked up little side jobs for neighbors and friends, sometimes he would charge them, sometimes not. He believed in helping others, the numbers were not always important. He often came home with a plate of fresh baked goods and called it even.
When Tom wasn’t busy working or chasing after his girls, you could almost always find him on the lake, a fishing rod in hand and a peaceful look on his face. He rarely passed up the chance to cast a line, no matter the season or the lake. His love for fishing filled the family freezer with his latest catches, and many meals were made better with fresh fish fry often shared with family and friends.
In 1997, Tom and Karen purchased a cabin on the lake, creating a haven that offered even more fishing opportunities and cherished family time. That beloved cabin was eventually rebuilt into their retirement home, a place that reflected not only Tom’s passion for the outdoors but also his desire to provide a warm, welcoming space for those he loved.
Tom’s life was deeply rooted in faith and service. A devout Catholic, he was active in many areas of the church. He found joy and purpose in singing with the church choir and proudly served as a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. His faith guided his actions and values every day of his life.
Service extended beyond the church walls for Tom. He was also a passionate member of Lions Club International, where he volunteered hundreds of hours. His belief in the power of community and helping others was evident in everything he did, and he lived by the motto: “We Serve.”
A character, that’s how Tom was often described, and rightfully so. His fun-loving spirit, ever-present smile, endless jokes, and even the occasional backflip made him someone you couldn’t help but notice and love. Whether he was lighting up a room with laughter or quietly lending a helping hand, Tom was a character worth watching, knowing, and remembering.
Above all, Tom’s heart belonged to his family. He held a deep and abiding admiration for his beloved wife, Karen, and their four daughters. To him, no fishing trip or life accomplishment compared to the joy of being a husband and father. He often said they were his greatest catch of all.
Tom’s legacy of laughter, love, service, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
On Saturday, August 23, 2025, he was deemed God’s catch. Tom passed away at home surrounded by his family at the age of 71. He leaves behind his wife of fifty years, Karen; mother, Ruth DeFrance; daughters, Rhianon “Annie” (Gabriel) Herman, Kari (Jacob) Fischer, Cassie (John) Pogatchnik, and Tracy (Brandon) Wisner; grandchildren, Aidan Herman, Kendal Herman, Otis Fischer, Frances Fischer, Rori Pogatchnik, Phoenix Pogatchnik, Lorelai Pogatchnik, Grayson Wisner, Everly Wisner, and Jaydie Wisner; siblings, Debra (Todd) Shasky, Laurie Isacson, and Ron (Lori) DeFrance; many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, LaRoyce DeFrance; parents-in-law, Richard and Josephine Sobotka; sister-in-law Monica Sobotka and grandchildren Caleb Herman and Julia Herman.