Thomas Filson, 79

Thomas Newel Filson, 79, of Red Wing, died Friday, Oct. 19, at his home.

He was born Feb. 25, 1933, in Chico, Calif., to Ralph and Klea (Jenkinson) Filson. He was a 1950 graduate of Chico High School and went on to attend Chico State University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. He moved to Minnesota to attend the University of Minnesota, attaining his Ph.D. in educational psychology in 1957. While in Minnesota, he met Margy Kuhlman, and they were married in 1955. Tom began his teaching career as a professor at Hastings College in Hastings, Neb. He taught fifth grade for 1 year and returned to being a professor at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill. He was there 14 years before moving to Flint, Mich., where he taught at the University of Michigan for 30 years, retiring in 1996. After retirement, he and Margy moved to Chico where they cared for his mother until her death. In 2004, they moved to Red Wing.

Tom was a member of First Lutheran Church, where he greatly enjoyed being a part of the church choir. He was also a member of the Goodhue County Horticultural Society, another enjoyment of Tom's, as gardening was one of Tom's greatest joys - he loved all types of gardening and especially enjoyed designing his five home gardens.

He is survived by his wife, Margy; nieces and nephews, Gene (Roxann) Schroeder, David (Michelle) Schroeder, Janis (Tom) Rowekamp, Mary Kuhlman, Dean (Cyndy) Kuhlman; many grandnieces and nephews; cousins, Barbara, Linda, and Charles Hoffman, and dear friends, Donald MacInnes and Silvey and James Barge.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Margaret Filson Schroeder.

Memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, at First Lutheran Church with Reverend Brian Scott officiating. Visitation will be for 1 hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mayo Health Systems Hospice-Red Wing or First Lutheran Church Music Fund.

To send online condolences, visit www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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