Obituary of Thomas Arthur Renshaw

RENSHAW, Thomas Arthur, age 90, of Maple Grove, beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend passed away on September 28, 2020, from multiple organ failure caused by the COVID-19 virus which exasperated his underlying medical conditions. He was born to parents Catherine Lela Renshaw (Collins) and Arthur Thomas Renshaw in Kilkenny, MN on 4/10/1930. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Laura Mae Greene, son, Timothy Claude Renshaw, spouse of 59 years, Claudia Marie Renshaw (Johnson). Tom will be deeply missed by his son, Tom (Vicki) Renshaw; daughter, Kathy Chaika, special friend, Kathryn Bania, 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; nephews, relatives and many good friends, including those at SilverCreek on Main in Maple Grove, MN where Tom lived for the past 2+ years. 

Tom lived his earliest years on the family farm in Kilkenny, MN. Then his parents moved the family to Waterville, MN where Tom started and completed his initial  education, graduating from Waterville, MN high school. When Tom was in high school, he helped his grandfather build several cabins for what would become the Sandy Beach Resort on Lake Tetonka in Waterville, MN. Upon graduating from high school Tom worked for the railroad for two years, then he joined the United States Navy and was a Radio Operator from 6/25/1951 through 6/24/1954, during the Korean War. After multiple years overseas Tom finished his tour of duty with the Navy stationed in Washington, D.C. There he met Claudia Marie Johnson, the woman that would become his loving wife. Tom and Claudia were married on April 23, 1955. Tom brought Claudia to his hometown of Waterville, MN to live.  Shortly thereafter, Tom and Claudia moved to Minneapolis, MN where Tom began his career in the Purchasing department at a hearing aid company while also attending business school at night. After approximately 20 years at the hearing aid manufacturing company, Tom began his second career as a Vice President of a plastics injection molding company. He worked there for another 20 years before his retirement.

Being of Irish and Danish descent, Tom always had a mischievous gleam in his eyes, even at 90 years of age. He was always a great deal of fun to be around!

Tom’s favorite activities over the years included spending time with his children as they learned how to ride bikes and play sports, being a Cub Scout leader for his boys, multiple fishing trips, hunting, and attending Minnesota Vikings football games. One of the most enjoyable settings for spending time with his family and friends was at the cabin, along with the “next door neighbors” sister, Laurie,  brother-in-law Earl and nephews Rusty and Mickey.  Tom and Claudia also enjoyed traveling a great deal.  The couple took multiple cruises and land trips with various members of the family. They took multiple road trips back east to visit Claudia’s family, the Twillmans in Maryland. Tom spent 17 winters in Florida with Claudia and 1 winter on his own to escape the Minnesota weather.

Tom will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM on 10/12/2020 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93^rd Avenue N., Brooklyn Park, MN with a luncheon after the mass. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on 10/19/2020. Please note that all Mass of Christian Burial attendees will be required to wear a mask. Memorials preferred to the American Heart Association.