Tom Vickerman

Tom John Vickerman was born on April 21, 1949 in Alexandria to Thomas and Lucille (Johnson) Vickerman. He graduated from Jefferson High School in Alexandria in 1967. Tom attended Concordia College in Moorhead where he played football for the Cobbers and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. From 1971 to 1976 he taught at Sacred Heart where he coached football, girls? basketball and track. On November 29, 1975, Tom married Pat Green of Kensington. They made their home in Alexandria on the fifth generation Vickerman farm. Pat and Tom were blessed with two children, Shannon and Josh. Tom started teaching Drivers? Education in Alexandria in 1977 and later became the Physical Education teacher for Garfield, Carlos and Miltona Elementary Schools while continuing to farm. He retired from teaching in 2006. In 2001 Tom was named MBCA Assistant Coach of the Year and received the 2004 Alexandria Education Award. He was the founder of the Cardinal Cage Camp and co-founder of the Alexandria Aces. Tom was also instrumental in starting the Alexandria youth basketball program. Tom had great passion for many things. He loved working on his hobby farm, caring for his animals, spending time at his Lake Ida home, cutting wood on the land, all sports, and especially coaching. Tom had a genuine interest in everyone and became a role model for many. His laugh, which was very contagious, was known and recognized by all. Tom had a quiet but strong faith, and his love for his family was obvious to anyone who met him. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a dedicated brother and uncle and always a loyal friend. Tom?s most recent joy was being a grandpa to young Tommy. He was a man who inspired everyone he met to be a better person, to do their very best and, most of all, to live their lives with an attitude of thankfulness and happiness. Tom died on Friday, July 23, 2010 at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester at the age of 61 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Pat, of Alexandria; daughter, Shannon Vickerman of Sartell; son, Josh (Brooke) Vickerman of Fargo; grandson, Tommy Vickerman; sisters, Dorothy Shinn and Doris (Roger) Thompson both of Alexandria; aunt, Lilly Vickerman of Oakdale; the Green family, the Shelby family, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lucille Vickerman and sister, Theresa Ohnstad. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the United Methodist Church in Alexandria with Reverend Jeff Hansen officiating. Music was provided by organist, Gale Maxwell. Inurnment was at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Honorary pallbearers were Tim Urness, Tom Green, Archie Vickerman, Don Shelby, John Holsten, Dennis Rapp, the Shelby family and Tom?s nieces and nephews. Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.