Tom Byrne was born on April 30, 1951, in Slayton, Minnesota to Perry and Jeanne Gleason Byrne. He grew up on a farm east of Currie, MN and graduated from Tracy High School in 1969. In June 1969 Tom enlisted in the United States Navy. On August 26, 1969, he and Kathy Pattinson were married at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Currie. Following their marriage, they made their home in Norfolk, VA and later Long Beach, CA while Tom served in the Navy. Following his honorable discharge in December 1970 they moved to Walnut Grove, MN and Tom worked for Revere Milling. They later moved to the Byrne family farm east of Currie where he farmed and in 1987 Tom became a full-time mail carrier for the United States Post Office until he retired at the age of 62. After retirement Tom helped Schmitz Grain in the spring and fall. Tom passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, October 22, 2021, at the age of 70. Tom was a member of the Currie American Legion Post. He enjoyed being with his family, fishing, trapping, hunting, gardening and being with his dog, Red.
Survivors include his wife, Kathy Byrne of Currie, MN two sons and their spouses, Tom and Lezlie Byrne of Tracy, MN and Joe and Pam Byrne of Worthington, MN, six grandchildren, Britta, Jake and Brody Byrne, and Carly Woldt and husband, Mitchell, Mason, and Chase Byrne, three siblings, Caryl Hart of Sioux Falls, SD, Judy and Herb Bassett of La Crosse, WI, Barb Whiting of Currie, MN, one brother-in-law, Dale Benson of Kimball, MN and his best buddy, Red. He is preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Mary Benson.
A graveside service was held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at the Calvary Cemetery in Currie, MN with Msgr. R. Paul Heiting officiating. Military honors were accorded by the Currie American Legion Post.
Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com