Thomas Sidney Kilbury, born September 15, 1930 in Plain City, Ohio died March 23, 2026 in the late evening surrounded by his family. Tom was a 1948 high school graduate of Sunbury Ohio High School. He enrolled the following year at Ohio State University. His enrollment and graduation was interrupted by two significant lifetime events; a marriage on March 18, 1951 to the love of his life, Thelma A Root. A marriage which would last 75 years with a concluding anniversary March 18, 2026, 5 days prior to his death. Together he and Thelma created a family of 3 children. Throughout this 75 year marriage there was never a moment when this family did not realize that his family was, and forever remained the singular most important focus of Tom’s life.

The second major life event impacting Tom’s college and future career was a 1951 induction into the U.S. Army. Training in Texas and Maryland was followed by a 1+ year Korean War assignment. An event seldom discussed by Tom.

On his stateside return, Tom re-enrolled in OSU completing his degree in 1955. Shortly thereafter, he secured employment with Geo A Hormel & Co.

This employment as a Hormel livestock buyer would last 38 years with assignments in Austin, Preston, and Rushford Minnesota; Grinnel IA and Freemont, NE.

In each location, Tom immersed himself in community activities with active involvement in local Lions Clubs, Masonic Temples, and local school district activities, including an 8-year run on the Rushford MN School Board.

Throughout his life, Tom relished recreational activities including golf, hunting and fishing. But Tom’s favorite and most peaceful moments were probably the time he spent on the Mississippi River exploring all its nooks and crannies from Wabasha MN to LaCrosse, WI.

Tom retired in 1993, relocating to the Twin Cities and spent a decade with his growing family, which then included 5 grandchildren. In 2003 he again relocated. Moving to Sun City West, AZ spending 15 years in the sunshine, golfing and exploring the American Southwest.

Age and health required relocation to the Midwest in 2018. He and Thelma spent his final days in assisted living in Middleton and Monona WI

Tom is survived by his wife of 75 years, Thelma, their 3 children and spouses Mike Kilbury (Linda), Deborah Tobin (Michael) and Robert Kilbury (Beth); 6 grandchildren Tyler Kilbury (Giselle), Erin Kilbury (Will), Kirby Tobin (Kait), Nathaniel Kilbury, Noah Kilbury (McKenzie), and Carissa Tobin; and great grandson Braedyn Kilbury and great granddaughter Lila Tobin-Haley. A future private internment ceremony is planned at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.

In lieu of memorials Tom would love each of you to spend time with your family, renew and maintain your friendships, and if you see community needs, offer your help.

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