I am so very sad to hear of Tom’s passing today. From the good old days at Farmer Seed to todays Wood Nursery, Tom was always so helpful, knowledgeable and passionate about plants and nature. He was the go to person for anyone with plant question and he will be missed by many. I just got hand picked raspberry bushes not long ago. I will think of him always as they grow. What a legacy.
Thomas J. Woods, Jr.
January 5, 1956 – July 31, 2023
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph for Thomas J. Woods, Jr., age 67, of St. Joseph, who passed away on Monday, July 31, 2023 at the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center – East Bank in Minneapolis, after complications from heart surgery. Reverend Brad Jenniges, OSB will officiate. Burial of the urn will be in the St. Joseph Parish Cemetery in St. Joseph.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023 at the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Heritage Hall in St. Joseph.
Tom was born January 5, 1956 to Thomas J. and Rosella A. (Driver) Woods, Sr. in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He grew up in the St. Cloud area and graduated from Apollo High School in 1974. After graduation he started school at the St. Cloud Community and Technical College in the Electrician program. He was united in marriage to Ellen L. Thompson on October 23, 1976 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. While attending the technical college, Tom began working at Lunds’ Farmer Seed and Nursery watering plants part-time. This began a 50 plus year career for Tom, working his way up to Store Manager. On December 29, 2006, Tom and his wife, Ellen purchased the nursery from the Lunds, changing the name to Woods’ Farmer Seed and Nursery. In 2015, they moved the store to Waite Park and significantly expanded their business. Tom was extremely devoted to his business and the many loyal customers that he served. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph and the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.
Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother who cherished the time he was able to spend with his family, especially his grandchildren. When Tom was not busy working or tending to the store, he enjoyed driving his Ford Mustang and going bowling. He also enjoyed going on family camping trips and race trips. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, practical jokes and photobombing.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Ellen; children, Melissa (Adam) Theisen of St. Cloud, Eric of St. Cloud, Megan Woods of St. Joseph, and Morgan (Jordan) Franzwa of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Andrew Theisen, Bailey Means, Valerie Theisen, Devan Franzwa and Mackenzie Franzwa; siblings, Jim (Judy), of St. Cloud, Kevin (Teresa), of Garrison, Keith (Sigrid), of Cottonwood, AZ, Sandy (Rich) Roonzani, of St. Cloud, Jeff (Maxine), of St. Cloud, Pam (Glenn) Liesch, of Sauk Rapids, Cheri (Kevin) Fuchs, of Cold Spring, Brian (Missy), of St. Cloud, Becky Woods, of Mora and Christy (Steve) Laudenbach, of Clear Lake; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles.
A special thank you to the staff of the University of Minnesota Medical Center – East Bank for their loving and compassionate care of Tom.
“Itself, too…”
Guestbook
I was so saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom always had the best customer service! I always trusted his advice because it was evident that he really wanted what was best for the customer. I will miss his warm smile and helpful advice for growing things. May you Rest In Peace !
I am saddened with the news of Tom’s passing. I watched his professional path with great joy . . from part time to Owner. Super guy to all with a bright smile and the best advice about plants or plant troubles. I considered him a dear friend. I will miss him.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. We frequented both Lunds & Woods Nurseries. Wonderful help and selections. You will be missed.
What a shock. I was SO sorry to learn that Tom’s smiling face and generous help will no longer be with us. He patiently took time for my endless questions for many years. My sympathies to Ellen and the rest of his family.
Tom knew so much about plants and gardens. He helped me with questions I had and I appreciated that very much. Sympathy to the family.
We loved Tom\’s service and care when we visited Woods Farmer Seed and Nursery. He got us started on lilacs. Now we have a lilac bush, a tree, and a topiary tree. Tthank you, Tom. We\’ll miss you.
Eriko and I were very saddened to hear Tom had passed. We appreciate all Tom, Ellen and Eric did for us in preparing for our wedding. We will never forget it. We pray for you all and keep you in our thoughts.
My deepest sympathy to Ellen and family and dear friends.
So sad to hear about Tom
He was my “go to” guy. So kind, so knowledgeable about gardening, and so willing to help. He always had time for a laugh and a little small talk. He will ne missed.
Grandpa you will be so missed. I will forever keep playing our song together and I plan on teach the young ones everything you did that helped shape who I am. I love you and give great grandpa a big hug for me
You will be missed, my friend.
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s death. Just shocked. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Ellen and family,
I am so very sorry and heartbroken to find out that Tom passed away. I haven’t felt like this since my dad passed away in 1995
As I thought about it this evening, I realized that they had a lot of similarities, maybe that’s why Tom decided to stay at Farmer’s Seed and Nursery. Both Tom and my dad Jerry had such senses of humor. They were fantastic with their customers and treated them all like they were special. Lastly they were as many have termed it, ‘walking encyclopedias’.
As it was with my dad, I can’t imagine going into Farmer Seed and not seeing Tom there. That will be extremely hard. Tom was special.
To all of you I need you to know how deeply sorry I am. I care and would like you to know that you have my deepest sympathy. May God bless you and help you through this difficult time 🙏🏻
Services
Schedule Details
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph for Thomas J. Woods, Jr., age 67, of St. Joseph, who passed away on Monday, July 31, 2023 at the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center – East Bank in Minneapolis, after complications from heart surgery. Reverend Brad Jenniges, OSB will officiate. Burial of the urn will be in the St. Joseph Parish Cemetery in St. Joseph.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023 at the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Heritage Hall in St. Joseph.