Thomas McLaughlin, age 79, of New Prague, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, June 3, 2015.  Tom was born on November 28, 1935 in Redwing, MN to Thomas E. and Albertha Mabel (Hemmingson) McLaughlin. He was raised in St. Paul and graduated from Harding High School.  He served in the US Army Airborn from 1955-58 and married Jarita “Jeri” Bibeau on July 11, 1959 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN.  A grocer all his life, Tom owned Valley Food Market in Lakeland, MN and Tom’s Foods in New Prague.  A kind and gentle man, Tom enjoyed bird watching, especially birds of prey.  His competitive side came out in his love of playing cards and his adventurous spirit in his enjoyment of traveling the states and overseas where he needed no help in getting lost.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jeri, of New Prague; children, Thomas (& Brenda) McLaughlin of Center City, MN, Michelle (& Jeffrey) Vitali of Chisago City, MN, Daniel (& Karissa) McLaughlin of Matthews, NC, John (& Nancy) McLaughlin of Becker, MN; brother, Michael (& Kathleen) McLaughlin of Rosemount, MN; 4 grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dr. Elizabeth Ring.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home with Reverend Craig Lundstad-Vogt officiating, with a visitation from 9:00 – 11:00 AM.  Lunch will follow at the Legion Clubroom in New Prague.  Burial will occur at a later date at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in St. Paul, MN.