Thomas Dammann – Contribution bulletin

I passed away on October 19, 2024 at the age of 64 and the culprit was kidney cancer. The bad news reached me in April 2021, but thanks to modern medicine and the many prayers of many people, the disease was kept at bay for another three years. I was born on October 15, 1960 in Lake City, Minnesota to parents LaVerne and Arlys (Meyer) Dammann. My legal name was Thomas Laverne Dammann, but I was usually known by other names like Julie’s husband, Carston’s father, or Morgan’s father. All names I was proud of, and I welcomed other names like Anna (Johnson) Dammann’s father-in-law and Diego Nevares.

I am proud to be the fifth generation to have grown up on the Dammann family farm. Whatever job I did, it had to give me the opportunity to stay on the farm. I wanted to keep the farm boy in me. On July 12, 1986 I married the love of my life, Julie (Heppelmann). We had a wonderful life and two children together (Carston and Morgan). In 2007, I made a career turnaround and received my Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing from Rochester Community and Technical College. I worked as a registered nurse in the internal medicine department and performed cardiac stress testing at Fairview Hospital and Clinic in Red Wing, Minnesota. In 2016, I got a job at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where I also performed cardiac stress testing in the echo and nuclear labs. I worked there until my cancer diagnosis and beyond before I went on disability leave. In March 2021, at the age of 60, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Augsburg.

My passion lies in nature. I loved the country and what it houses and produces. Nature gave me the opportunity to use the land for more than just agriculture. I biked, hiked, raced, camped, hunted, or just enjoyed the tranquility of nature. My greatest passion was outdoor climbing. I started climbing as a young man and continued it as something I passed on to my children. To me, climbing is a legacy that they can celebrate by mastering the sport.

The greatest pride in my life was my children. I enjoyed attending their musical, athletic, academic and church activities. I have taught, mentored and coached them to the best of my ability and they have developed into outstanding young adults. Finally, I would like to thank my wife for making me the man I was. Without her I wouldn’t have achieved these things.

I have been fortunate to have been around Julie and my children throughout the cancer journey, especially in the last few weeks. I also had some very close and dear friends and family who gave me comfort and support.

My life has always been founded on both science and faith. When I finally failed to beat cancer, I decided to bequeath my body to further the skills of the doctors and nurses at the Mayo Clinic. I wanted to give something back here.

Join us for a Celebration of Life for Me on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Lake City, Minnesota, with Pastor Paul Miller presiding. Friends and family may call at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Memorials are preferred to: www.accessfund.org, First Lutheran Church of Lake City or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel. The guest list can be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com