February 22, 1965 - August 20, 2024
Thomas (Tom) Frederic Daffer, age 59, a long-time resident of Richfield, MN, died peacefully of natural causes at Ebenezer Ridges Care Center, Burnsville, on August 20, 2024. Tom was born on February 22, 1965, the “golden child” of John and Shirley Daffer.
Tom enjoyed a typical childhood surrounded by loving parents and siblings. Tom graduated from Kennedy High School in 1985. He received a varsity letter his senior year as the High School football manager (Manager “Daff”). He was especially proud of this achievement. Go Eagles! Tom was employed for years by his brother Steve’s business, Sybaritic, in Bloomington.
Tom and his sister Laureen (Rene) lived together at her home in Richfield for 22 years. They shared many adventures and developed many friendships, frequenting coffee shops, restaurants and record stores. His recent move to an independent residence and downtown Apartment at Millers Landing Assisted Living in Minneapolis was one of his proudest moments. He relished his independence and new friends.
Tom enjoyed traveling with his family! California to visit relatives, Montana, Yellowstone and the Black Hills on summer vacations. He especially enjoyed Disney World in Florida. In fact, this was perhaps his favorite place in all the world, a world of happiness, music and joy. He also enjoyed using his Mac computer, attending theatre and “Block Heads,” a Laurel and Hardy Club with his father. Just last summer he took a road trip to St. Louis MO, climbing the stairs to the top of the Arch, “The Gate Way to the West,” and visiting Antique Archeology’s (TV’s “American Picker’s”) Brick and Mortar store in Le Claire, IA.
Tom’s life was a life filled with music. He learned to play piano and read music as a child and continued playing throughout his life. He was a frequent record shopper and continued to add to his collection of over 5000 vinyl records (45s and albums) throughout his life. He amazed all with his vast music knowledge, Contemporary, Rock & Roll, Sacred and Classical.
Tom was also a loyal MTC rider, mastering the intricacies of public transportation around the Twin Cities as a frequent patron of popular area venues. He traveled all around Minneapolis, Hopkins, Hyland Hills, Richfield and Bloomington.
Tom inherited his wit and mastery of joke telling from his father, John. He always had a joke to tell, no matter the occasion. All of his family member’s, friends and caregivers looked forward to hearing Tom’s latest jokes. Starting with, “Here’s One,” and ending several jokes later. He left everyone smiling and laughing.
Tom truly loved his family. His love, kindness, gentleness and generosity knew know bounds. He shared his optimism, friendliness, and happiness everywhere he went. He had a heart of gold.
Preceded in death by loving parents, John and Shirley Daffer and his cherished golden retriever, Maggie.
Our beloved Tom is survived by brother, Steve; sisters, Laureen, Marlie (Jeff), Cheryl (Brad); Aunts and Uncles, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
Donations in loving memory of Tom may be made to Hope Presbyterian Church or The Animal Humane Society of Golden Valley.
Visitation
Thursday, September 5, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Hope Presbyterian Church
7132 Portland Avenue S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Funeral Service
Thursday, September 5, 2024
11:00 AM
Hope Presbyterian Church
7132 Portland Avenue S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Interment
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Lakewood Cemetery
3600 Hennepin Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Rene,
Tom was definitely one of the best and most uplifting customers to ever walk through the doors of Dunn Bros. He will be missed dearly and I am glad I got to know him. Thinking of you and your family.
It’s been a while since I last ran into Tom. I always kept my eyes peeled, even dropping by his known haunts hoping to catch up with him if I were close. Tom was in my cabin at Camp Ojibway whenever we were campers at the same time. My mom made the cabin assignments. Yeah, I won’t lie; I loved the stories I got, but I also wanted to make sure no one bullied him. He was genuinely funny and he learned how to tug at heartstrings and he always had something to say… frankly, I loved being around him. As I got older, I saw him at church when I was around. And as a city bus driver, I picked him up numerous times while at work. (Who is that lying in the street with his head propped on his hand, elbow on the curb? Yep.) I’m sorry for your loss and I’m sorry for our collective loss.
I was so sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing. I had the privilege of helping to take care of Tommy and he was definitely a cat bird! We had a lot of fun listening to music on his computer. He loved the Bee Gees and he would say he wanted to grow his hair out like Barry Gibb. We would sing the theme to Paladin, and all the gold in California by The Oak Ridge Boys, even though we did not know the words. Tommy had lots of jokes and riddles and would surprise me with his intellect. He was very skillful at evading shower time right up until the last minute! He loved animals and vulnerable creatures, and even when there was a mouse in his shoe, he was adamant that we would not hurt it but it had to be released outside. Tommy was a little bit Wild but he had a pride and dignity, and fierce love of family that I will never forget. I think that heaven is a better place with Tom in it because he will sing with such Joy. There will never be another one like Tommy!
Tommy was my cousin. Due to living in different states we did not see much of each other, but he would call on the phone just to chat. This kept our relationship alive, thank you Tommy for doing that. He was always happy and full of life, a true roll model in that regard. I remember him as a little guy, hardly walking, playing with his 45 records on his little record player. It was most memorable when he didn’t lift the needle when moving it around. A lovely screech for sure! At our wedding in 1986, he helped the paid DJ select the music. He did an excellent job and should have been paid as well. He has warmed many hearts, brought much laughter and joy to those around him, he will be dearly missed.
We love you, Ken and Cindy Boos
I went to school for a while with Tom at Bryant Ave Christian School. He was a good friend. We had a school reunion in July 2016. It was good to get together again. I will truly miss him. He was about my age.