Thomas Wayne Hagstrom

Thomas Wayne Hagstrom, 72 year old resident of Upsala, MN passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, MN.
Tom was born on February 27, 1947 to Leone and Duane Hagstrom. Tom had a happy childhood with grandparents living nearby, aunts and uncles, cousins and family friends dropping by, as well as three younger siblings to tolerate (enjoy). After graduation from high school, Tom worked for a time at the St. Regis Paper plant in Minneapolis; but he was a small town boy at heart, and he returned to his childhood home where he lived until his recent death.
Upon his return home, Tom worked as a painter with his cousin, Bill Osberg, eventually continuing on as a self-employed painter around the Upsala area. Tom was known to many as a quiet man, keeping himself in the background, keenly observing life yet not often expressing his observations or inner personality. When young, Tom loved the world of radio; entering into the role of a sports announcer, he would record the play by play action taking place in local sports activities. For a brief time, these recordings were incorporated into the Albany radio station news about the Upsala sports scene. He also spent some time as the announcer for the Upsala town baseball team. I imagine these opportunities were a dream came true for Tom. Tom loved gadgets of all types and when he got his hands on a small movie camera, he became our family film maker, capturing scenes from our childhood in sometimes hilarious ways. He loved classic country music and old-time, he enjoyed the company of his high school classmates and looked forward to reunions and opportunities to reconnect. He had a quick wit not often revealed, yet sometimes apparent when he would be with his high school pals & their laughter was his reward.
As the son who stayed on the home place and as grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles aged, Tom took on the role of chauffeur and general all round dependable errand-runner, never complaining and always available. As he aged, he tended to be more and more reclusive, comfortable on his own and enjoying his latest gadget toy, his computer.
Tom is survived by his siblings, Lynn (Rusty) Haldy-Gates, John (Carla) Hagstrom, Kevin (Terese) Hagstrom; his nephews and nieces, BJ (Val) Haldy, Amanda Haldy, Shane Hagstrom, Josh (Kendra) Hagstrom; his aunt, Yvonne Hagstrom; his Osberg and Hagstrom cousins; and his cat buddy, Smoky Bo.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala, MN with Mavis Buker officiating. Visitation will be held from 12-1 P.M. on Thursday at the church. Memorials can be donated to the Humane Society of MN and to the Centra Care Hospice in Albany.