Thomas (Tom) Lawrence Switzer

| May 27, 2025 7:00 AM

Thomas (Tom) Lawrence Switzer, 77, of Otsego, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025 from a heart attack.

Born April 12, 1948, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Tom grew up between Libby, Montana and Bloomington, Minnesota, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1966. He met his future wife, Michele, that summer. I

n 1968, Tom was drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War as a combat MP. He was then honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1970. Tom and Michele were married in Libby, Montana in 1971, and then made their home in Minnesota after.

They then welcomed daughters, Chris in 1974 and Beth in 1981. Tom was a hard worker and was employed by Control Data for 28 years. He then moved on to work for the National Marrow Donor Program/ Be The Match for the next 19 years, retiring in 2016.

Tom enjoyed many hobbies throughout the years and took joy in hunting, fishing, golfing, riding his Harley and even maintaining his yard at home. He was always willing to help anyone and many benefited from everything from his airport “Uber” service to his lawn mowing and snow blowing!

Tom was the epitome of what it meant to be an American and was an extremely proud Vietnam Vet. His love of family never wavered and he especially adored his four grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Michele, daughters Chris (Ted) Inman and Beth (Matt) Baufield; grandchildren Luke and Taylor Inman, Shelby and Piper Baufield; brothers Rick and Ron Switzer, and beloved dog, Diesel, as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Hazel; sister Diane Hutterer. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Dare’s Funeral Home in Elk River, Minnesota at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 29, with a time to share memories.

A private burial will take place on Friday, May 30, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred or a donation in Tom’s memory to any local Veterans organization.