Thomas William Saiko

Thomas Saiko, a beloved father, brother, and friend, passed away on November 26, 2023, at Alomere Health in Alexandria, MN at the age of 80. He was born on July 31, 1943, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew up in the Frogtown neighborhood. Thomas began his education at St. Agnes and later graduated from Wilson High School. He joined the Navy on June 17, 1964. He served on the USS Randolph in the Atlantic, forming lifelong friendships with his comrades Ed Gruba and Dave "Scotty" Scott. Thomas proudly served his country until his honorable discharge on March 25, 1970.

On June 19, 1970, Thomas married Patricia Chadwick and two sons, Robert and Jeffrey were born to this union. Thomas was a dedicated employee at Mack Engineering, where he worked as a skilled machinist. He began his career there before his military service and continued for nearly 40 years afterward.

In 1985, Thomas decided to start a new chapter in his life and moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, near Lake Andrew. Thomas embraced the outdoor activities that the area had to offer, including golf (achieving two Hole in Ones), softball, and fishing. He also enjoyed hunting and snowmobiling in Outing. His love for sports expanded to ice hockey, where he played as a goalie until a painful toe injury forced him to retire from the rink and bowling.

Thomas will be remembered fondly for his fun-loving and mischievous nature. He was the life of the party, captivating everyone with his jokes and stories. Thomas was never at a loss for words and could engage in conversations for hours, causing him to always be the last one to finish eating.

Thomas Saiko is survived by his loving sons, Robert (Sheila) Saiko and Jeffrey (Michelle) Saiko, his cherished grandchildren, Brianna (Darius) Oates, Faith Saiko, Blaine (Crosbee) Graff, and RyAnn Graff, as well as two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, John Jr. "Jack" Saiko and Peter Saiko, his sister, MariJo (Steve) Peterson, sister-in-law Rene Saiko, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. "Chubby" and Dorothy Saiko, his brother Daniel "Danny" Saiko, and his sister, Gretchen (John) Schmoller, and sister-in-law Barb Saiko.

A Celebration of Tom's life will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 2 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Alexandria.

A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the Anderson Funeral Home.

Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN, in May of 2024.

Thomas Saiko brought joy, laughter, and love into the lives of everyone he encountered. His memory will forever live within the hearts of his loved ones, and his spirit will continue to guide them.