Obituary of Thomas Jeffrey

Thomas F. Jeffrey, resident of Rosemount, MN, passed away on May 23, 2024, at the age of 74 while riding his bicycle, one of his favorite pastimes.  Born in Minneapolis, MN he was the loving son of Donald V. and Mary Ann (Horan) Jeffrey.  

Tom graduated from Minneapolis Central High School in 1969.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1969 – 1973.  Upon his return to Minneapolis, he began working for the Metropolitan Transit Commission and met and married his wife, Patti Jo (Schnirring) Jeffrey in 1974.  He attended Dakota County Technical College, worked for Dodge of Burnsville, and for the last 25 years of his career, worked at the Minnesota Zoo. 

Tom was a loving and devoted husband who enjoyed spending time outdoors.  His greatest passions, which he shared with his wife, were bicycling, cross-country skiing, canoeing, and spending time at their cabin on the Snake River.  Many of their vacation trips included outdoor adventures.   Music was also a big part of Tom’s life.  He loved music of all genres, attended numerous concerts over the years and always had music playing in the background.  He was even known to play harmonica on occasion.  He was a kind and caring man, who loved to be the life of the party.  

Preceded in death by:   Father:  Donald V. Jeffrey;   Sister:  Anne Stone;  Brother-in-law:  Ralph Stewart 

Survived by:  Loving Wife: Patti Jo Jeffrey;   Mother: Mary Ann Jeffrey, Richfield, MN;   Siblings:  Molly Stewart, Danbury WI;  Bob (Colleen) Jeffrey, Danbury WI;   Patty (Pat) Kane, Wabasha MN;  David (Mary) Jeffrey,  Bloomington MN;  Jim (Geri) Jeffrey, Bloomington MN;  Marti (Chuck) Bullock, Fridley MN;  Peter (Karyn) Jeffrey, Spicer MN,  Sisters-in-Law:  Ann Kendrick, Winona MN;  Jill Buechler, Maple Grove, MN. 

Many Nieces and Nephews 

Interment will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 9 a.m.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center located in Spring Lake Regional Park, Hastings, MN.  In his honor, please dress casually and join us for lunch while we share our memories of Tom.  

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org), Minnesota Action Council for Veterans (MAC-V.org) or a charity of your choice. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cremation Society of Minnesota.