Tom was born on March 7, 1954 in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He lived his early life in Hollandale and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1972. He worked on farms in Hollandale and was a member of a local band until he joined Up with People as a performer in 1976. He travelled extensively with them over a two-year period and performed at major venues across the U.S., including the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California at the 1978 Super Bowl. After Up with People, Tom continued his career as a multi-talented entertainer, performing in many theatrical productions and musical shows around the Twin Cities. Among his most notable shows were Diamond Studs and Pump Boys and Dinettes at the Plymouth Playhouse. While continuing his career in entertainment, Tom also worked in construction for Mortenson Construction of Minneapolis from 1977 until 1988. After years of performing, Tom became a producer of live events and a sound engineer. He joined Big League Theatricals of New York in the late 80’s and was sound engineer for touring performances of Broadway shows around the U.S. for over a decade. Tom later became owner of Twin Town Sound and a partner in Big Event Productions in Minneapolis. Among other accomplishments, he was stage director and producer for Rock USA and Country USA music festivals in Oshkosh, Wisconsin from 1995 to 2020. 

Tom married the love of his life, Robbin Hahn, in October 2007 and they spent a blissful five years together until Robbin’s passing in 2012. Tom spent his retirement living in Garrison Minnesota, next to Mille Lacs Lake, where he loved to entertain friends and family by fishing and relaxing. Tom loved sports and avidly followed the Minnesota Twins, Gophers and of course the Vikings, with whom he had a love-hate relationship! He was a Vikings season ticket holder for many years and created great memories for his friends and family members by hosting his amazing tailgate festivities. 

Following Robbin’s passing, Tom became a founding member and board president of AngelHair, a nonprofit organization created to provide no-cost wigs to women recovering from cancer treatment. Robbin had been AngelHair’s first client. Tom was an active leader, promoter, and fundraiser for the organization until his retirement from the board late last year. 

Tom’s passing was preceded by that of his wife Robbin and parents John and Lorna Bothof of Hollandale, Minnesota. He is survived by siblings Cynthia (Dennis) Schmidt, Timothy (Mary) Bothof, Rebecca Fairchild, Elizabeth (John) Wood, Barbara (Roger) Hoeve, his wife Robbin’s children Zachary (Kate) Hansberger and Eric Hansberger, twelve beloved nieces and nephews and many extended family members and close friends. 

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on November 2nd, 2025, at 7:00PM in the evening at the Plymouth Playhouse, 2705 Annapolis Lane North, Plymouth, Minnesota 55441. Attendees are requested to wear their best Vikings tailgating attire or something purple! 

Memorials may be contributed to AngelHair, 18166 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven, MN 55391. www.angelhairforcancer.org AngelHair is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.